10 Best Pre Emergents For Zoysia Grasses 2025 in the United States

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is designed for those looking to maintain a thick, green lawn while controlling weeds and preventing crabgrass. It features a combination formula that not only kills existing weeds like dandelion and clover but also prevents crabgrass for up to 4 months. This product is versatile as it can be used on various grass types, including Zoysiagrass, making it suitable for diverse lawn care needs.

One of its strongest points is the coverage area, as a single 33.94 lb. bag can treat up to 12,000 sq. ft., which is beneficial for large lawns. Additionally, the application process is relatively straightforward: apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader and water after 24 hours, ideally in early spring when weeds are actively growing. The active ingredients, Pendimethalin, 2,4-D, and Dicamba, are effective for weed control and prevention.

However, some drawbacks include its inability to kill existing crabgrass and the need for precise application timing to achieve the best results. Moreover, since it requires a spreader for application, it might not be the best option for those without this equipment. Those with smaller lawns might find the large coverage area unnecessary. Despite these minor issues, Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a comprehensive solution for those looking to enhance their lawn's health while combating common weed problems.

Preen Garden Weed Preventer is a granular pre-emergent designed to stop weeds before they start, with effectiveness lasting up to three months. It covers a relatively large area of 3,520 square feet per 22-pound bag, which is convenient for medium-sized gardens. The product is versatile in terms of timing, as it can be applied in spring, summer, or fall, giving you flexibility for your weed control routine.

This product is specifically not for use on lawns, including zoysia grass, which means it won't be suitable if you're looking to protect or maintain a zoysia lawn. It’s safe to use around many established plants such as flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs, making it a good choice for garden beds where you want to prevent weeds without harming other plants. Since it only prevents new weeds from sprouting and does not kill existing weeds, you’ll still need to remove any current weeds before applying.

The granule form is easy to spread, and it can refill a flip-top applicator for easier application. While Preen is convenient and well-regarded by users, its unsuitability for lawns is a significant drawback if your goal is to protect zoysia grass specifically. For those targeting garden beds, it provides a reliable, easy-to-use option with good coverage and residual control.

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent is designed to help prevent weeds from taking over your zoysia grass lawn. It uses 0.48% prodiamine, a strong active ingredient known for effective weed prevention, suitable for early spring and fall applications when weeds typically start to grow. The granular form dissolves quickly thanks to its special dispersible granule technology, which helps the product work fast by moving into the soil right after watering. One big plus is its coverage area of up to 5,800 square feet per 18-pound bag, making it a practical choice for medium to large lawns. This pre-emergent targets common and tough weeds like crabgrass and henbit, but it won’t remove any weeds that have already sprouted—it’s only for prevention.

The small granule size means it spreads evenly and offers good soil contact, improving its effectiveness. A possible drawback is that it may require careful timing and consistent watering to activate properly, which is typical for most pre-emergents. This product provides professional-level control with a user-friendly application, making it a suitable option for those wanting to maintain a healthy, weed-free zoysia lawn without complex treatments.