Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer - 13.75 lb. - Covers 2,245 sq. ft.

The Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is a powerful, long-lasting granular herbicide designed to create a protective barrier in your soil, stopping weeds before they start. This 13.75 lb. container provides extensive coverage for up to 2,245 square feet of garden beds, landscapes, and around trees and shrubs, making it an efficient solution for large areas. As a pre-emergent, it targets weed seeds in the soil, preventing over 200 common broadleaf and grassy weeds, including chickweed, poa annua, crabgrass, and dandelions, from ever sprouting and competing with your desirable plants.

This formula is specifically engineered for extended control, offering up to six months of protection with a single application. It's ideal for use in flower beds, vegetable gardens (around established plants), ground cover areas, and around ornamental trees and shrubs. The easy-to-apply granules can be spread by hand or with a broadcast spreader, and they begin working immediately upon watering in. For gardeners seeking a reliable weed preventer that reduces the need for constant pulling or spraying, this product is a cornerstone of proactive lawn and garden care.

Beyond its primary function, using Preen Extended Control helps maintain soil moisture for your plants by eliminating weed competition and reduces garden maintenance time significantly. It is a versatile tool in integrated pest management, supporting the health and beauty of your spruce trees and other landscape features by keeping the root zones clear of invasive plants. Always remember to apply it to weed-free soil and follow label instructions for specific plants and timing to achieve the best results for your lawn care regimen.

Long-Lasting, Proactive Weed Defense

The standout advantage of this Preen formula is its extended control, providing up to six months of protection. This transforms weed management from a constant, reactive chore into a simple, biannual task. By creating a barrier that stops weed seeds from germinating, it addresses the problem at its source. This is far more efficient and less labor-intensive than repeatedly applying post-emergent herbicides or hand-weeding, saving you significant time and effort throughout the growing season.

Extensive Coverage and Cost-Effectiveness

With 13.75 pounds of product covering over 2,200 square feet, this offering presents excellent value, especially for homeowners with larger gardens or landscapes. The cost per square foot is highly competitive compared to many liquid concentrates or smaller granular options. Its status as a bestseller is often attributed to this combination of efficacy and economy. Users get a professional-grade, long-term solution without the professional price tag, making advanced garden weed control accessible.

Ease of Application and Versatility

The granular form factor is incredibly user-friendly. It can be easily broadcast by hand around plants or used with a spreader for larger, open areas. There's no mixing, spraying, or concern about drift onto desirable plants, which is a common issue with liquid herbicides. This pre-emergent is also notably versatile; it's safe to use around hundreds of established flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and trees when applied as directed, making it a central tool for diverse garden environments.

Targeted Action for a Healthier Garden

Unlike non-selective weed killers that can harm any plant they touch, a pre-emergent like Preen Extended Control is a targeted tool. It works in the soil to inhibit root development in germinating weed seeds without harming the root systems of your established, wanted plants. This leads to a healthier garden ecosystem where your plants don't have to compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. The result is more vigorous growth, better blooms, and a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing landscape.

It is crucial to understand that Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent, not a post-emergent killer. This is its most significant limitation for some users. It will not kill existing weeds that have already sprouted and broken through the soil surface. The area must be weeded thoroughly before application for the product to be effective. Users expecting to spray it on visible weeds and see them die will be disappointed; it is designed for prevention, not cure.

The product requires proper activation through watering (rain or irrigation) after application. If it is not watered in, it will not create the necessary barrier in the soil and will be ineffective. Furthermore, its effectiveness can be diminished by excessive tilling or disturbing the soil after application, as this breaks the protective barrier. Therefore, it is not suitable for areas where you plan to sow seeds or transplant new plants frequently, as it can also prevent the germination of desirable flower or vegetable seeds.

While safe for many established plants, it is imperative to read the label carefully for any specific restrictions. Application timing is also critical; it must be applied before weed seeds germinate, which often means early spring and/or fall. Missing this window reduces its efficacy. For some persistent perennial weeds with deep root systems or those that spread via runners/stolons (like some types of ivy or Bermuda grass), a pre-emergent barrier may be less effective, and supplemental control methods may be necessary.

The Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is a top-tier solution for gardeners and homeowners seeking a long-term, labor-saving strategy against weeds. Its core strength lies in its six-month preventative barrier, extensive coverage area, and granular ease of use. It excels as a foundational element of lawn care and garden maintenance, particularly for protecting ornamental beds, landscapes, and areas around trees and shrubs.

However, its utility is specific. It is not a magic bullet for an already weed-infested area. Success depends entirely on applying it to clean, weed-free soil at the correct time of year and activating it with water. For those willing to do the initial weeding and follow the application guidelines, it is an incredibly effective spruce weed killer and general weed preventer that delivers outstanding value and results. If your goal is proactive weed prevention to minimize future work, this product is a highly recommended investment.