In Lubbock, apply pre-emergent herbicide in late winter to early spring, before summer weeds such as crabgrass germinate, and follow the product label. Texas A&M AgriLife gives two soil-temperature cues. An AgriLife Today article says crabgrass germinates when the soil 2 inches down reaches about 55 °F for at least three days (AgriLife Today, 2016). AgriLife's bermudagrass guide says to apply "in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 ºF… or when the redbud and dogwood trees begin to bloom" (AgriLife E-242). Because a pre-emergent only stops seeds that have not sprouted yet, it makes sense to have it down before the earlier cue.
What pre-emergent does (and doesn't do)
A pre-emergent herbicide forms a barrier in the top layer of soil that stops germinating weed seeds from establishing. It does nothing to weeds that are already up and growing, and it does not last forever. That is why timing matters more than almost anything else: put it down too late and the crabgrass is already through it; put it down far too early and it may wear off before the main flush of germination.
It also isn't a fix for every weed. Research summarized by the City of Albuquerque found pre-emergents "not very effective" on goatheads because their seed is so large (Albuquerque research summary). For that weed, see our guide on how to get rid of goatheads.
Why the calendar alone isn't enough in Lubbock
South Plains springs swing hard. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport put the average January low at 27.2 °F, and the median last spring freeze on April 4, with 1 year in 10 seeing a freeze after April 22 (NOAA annual normals). Warm spells in late winter can heat the soil quickly, and a cold snap can stall it again. Spring is also the windiest season here, which dries the soil surface.
Because of that, a soil thermometer is a better guide than a fixed date. Push one about 2 inches into the soil in a sunny part of the lawn and check it in the morning over several days. When readings start approaching the mid-50s, it is time to get the product down. AgriLife's redbud-bloom cue is a handy backup if you do not have a thermometer.
Pre-emergent vs. fertilizer timing for bermudagrass
This is where many Lubbock homeowners get tripped up. Pre-emergent belongs in late winter to early spring, but AgriLife says to start fertilizing bermudagrass only after spring green-up, when late frost is unlikely, and to soil-test first (E-242). Those two dates often do not line up.
Combination products that pair a pre-emergent with nitrogen can push you to feed the lawn while it is still dormant. AgriLife Today advises using pre-emergents without nitrogen for that reason (AgriLife Today). A common approach is:
Late winter to early spring
Apply a pre-emergent without fertilizer, timed to soil temperature.
After green-up
Once the lawn is actively growing and late frost is unlikely, start fertilizing: about 1 pound of soluble nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft every 4–6 weeks, or 1½ pounds of slow-release every 8–10 weeks (E-242).
Through summer
Spot-treat any broadleaf weeds that break through. AgriLife notes that 2,4-D, MCPP or dicamba can injure bermuda above 95 °F, so treat early morning or evening.
If your lawn looks slow to come out of dormancy, our post on brown bermuda grass in Lubbock covers the usual causes.
Watering it in on Lubbock's schedule
Many granular pre-emergent labels call for watering the product in within a set time after application. Check yours. In the City of Lubbock, sprinkler irrigation is limited to two assigned days a week by the last digit of your address (0/3/4/9 Monday and Thursday; 1/5/6 Tuesday and Friday; 2/7/8 Wednesday and Saturday), with no Sunday irrigation, while hand watering is allowed any time (Fox34, April 2026, reposting City guidance). From October 1 to March 31, water only when it is above 35 °F; City Code §22.03.133(b)(2) makes it an offense to irrigate during freezing weather or precipitation.
So plan the application for the day before one of your assigned days, or water it in by hand. Check the current schedule and any drought stage at mylubbock.us before you set your controller. Our Lubbock watering schedule post has the full rules.
Don't pre-emerge where you plan to seed
A pre-emergent can't tell a crabgrass seed from a grass seed you just spread. Most labels warn against seeding for a period after application, so if you plan to overseed or establish a lawn from seed this spring, read the label before you apply anything to that area. Our sod vs seed in Lubbock guide covers planning a new lawn.
Is there a fall application?
Some products also list a fall application aimed at cool-season weeds that sprout as temperatures drop. If you use one, follow the label's timing and rate, and keep AgriLife's bermuda guidance in mind: do not fertilize bermudagrass from September through February unless the lawn has been overseeded (E-242). That means a fall pre-emergent should also be fertilizer-free.
Quick pre-emergent checklist
- Watch 2-inch soil temperature from late winter; aim to apply before it holds near 55 °F (AgriLife Today) and no later than AgriLife's 65 °F / redbud-bloom cue (E-242).
- Choose a product without nitrogen for the early-spring application.
- Read the label for rate, water-in timing, grass safety and reseeding intervals.
- Water it in on an assigned day, or by hand.
- Start bermuda fertilizer after green-up, not before.
- Expect to spot-treat the few weeds that break through, especially goatheads.
Hiring a company for pre-emergent
Pre-emergent is a herbicide, so any company that applies it for hire falls under the state pesticide rules. Weed-and-feed products contain herbicide too.
In Texas, anyone who applies weed killers, insect or grub control, or other pesticides to a lawn for hire must hold a Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) applicator license. Fertilizer-only applications do not require one. Before you hire, ask for the company's TDA license number and verify it with TDA.
Read more in our Texas lawn care license rules guide (general information, not legal advice). For cost context, online cost guides (2025–2026) report weed-and-feed applications at about $105–$325 each and fertilization at $67–$405 per application (national ranges, estimates, not quotes). See Lubbock lawn care prices for more.
Lubbock Lawn Care Pros connects Lubbock-area homeowners with independent local lawn care companies for free, no-obligation quotes. Browse weed control, fertilization and lawn maintenance options, then get a free quote.