If you battle stickers (sandburs), crabgrass, or other summer weeds every year, the fix actually starts before spring fully arrives. In Coastal and Bermuda lawns, pre-emergent is the most effective way to stop these weeds before they ever break the surface.
This guide is tailored specifically for North Central Texas, including the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where warm-season grasses dominate and sandburs are especially common.
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What Pre-Emergent Does
Pre-emergent does not kill existing weeds.
It creates a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
That timing is everything.
The Most Effective Strategy
Step 1: Early Spring Application
When: Mid-February
Why: Stops sandburs and summer weeds before they start
Apply a pre-emergent labeled safe for Bermuda/Coastal lawns. Water it in within 24 hours so the barrier activates.
This is the most important application of the year.
Step 2: Late Spring Reinforcement
When: Late April to early May
Why: Sandburs germinate over a long window
A second application using a different pre-emergent chemistry extends protection through early summer. Skipping this step is the most common reason stickers still appear later in the season.
Optional Step: Early Summer Touch-Up
When: Mid-June
Why: Extra insurance for lawns with past sticker problems
Not required for every lawn, but helpful if sandburs have been a long-term issue or if the soil is sandy.
Lawn Health Matters
Sandburs thrive in thin or bare areas.
A thick, healthy Bermuda lawn is one of the best defenses.
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Mow regularly (don’t scalp)
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Fertilize once grass is actively growing
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Avoid disturbing soil after pre-emergent is applied
The Takeaway
If you want fewer stickers:
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Apply early
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Apply twice in spring
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Water it in
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Maintain a dense lawn
Do this consistently and summer weeds become far less of a problem.
