Frequently Asked Questions For Weed Control

Q: How does it work?

A: We use specialized pre-emergent weed control that creates an invisible barrier in the top layer of your soil. When weed seeds try to sprout, they’re stopped before they even break the surface—preventing weeds before they start. We recommend treating every six months to maintain results.

Q: Is it really safe?

A: Yes! Our professional-grade pre-emergent is safe for people, pets, and the environment when applied correctly. Once it dries, which happens quickly, it’s completely inert and won’t affect your family or furry friends.

Q: Will I still see weeds after the first treatment?

A: Weed prevention takes time, but it works. After two applications (12 months), you’ll see a dramatic reduction in weeds. After four applications (24 months), you’ll be almost completely weed-free in treated areas. Any existing weeds will need to be removed, but over time, you’ll have fewer and fewer.

Q: Why should I choose Northern Arizona Weed Control instead of handling it myself?

A: Store-bought sprays only kill what’s already growing—they don’t prevent future weeds. Plus, professional pre-emergents, the kind we use, aren’t available to the public. We’re the only company in Northern Arizona that specializes 100% in weed prevention, and we know exactly what works for this climate.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your property, but most customers pay between $150–$300 per application. Since weeds get worse over time, prevention actually saves you money compared to constant weeding or hiring landscapers to fight them over and over again.

Q: Do I have to do this forever?

A: Think of it like pest control or changing your car’s oil—it’s ongoing maintenance that keeps bigger problems away. Pre-emergent weed control isn’t a one-and-done fix, because weeds are always trying to come back. However, the longer you stay on a consistent treatment schedule (every six months), the fewer weeds you’ll see over time. After a year or two of treatments, your yard will be dramatically easier to maintain, but skipping treatments means weeds will eventually return.

Q: Are you allowed to apply pre-emergent without a license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture? 

A: NO! If you are not licensed, then the only place you are allowed to apply pre-emergent is at your personal residence. Other than that, applying pre-emergent would be considered “commercial use” and is against the law and strictly prohibited. 

Q: What is pre-emergent? 

A: Pre-emergent is a product that kills weeds as soon as the seedlings germinate. When this happens, the seedlings are so small that you don’t even see them and the entire process happens underneath your landscaping. Pre-emergent is the most cost effective way to handle the weeds in your landscape. 

Q: What is post emergent? 

A: Post Emergent is a product that kills weeds when they are already growing. Pre-emergent does not (and cannot) kill weeds that are already growing. When weeds are small, it generally takes a small amount of post emergent to kill them. As the weeds grow larger, their root system grows larger as well, and it requires more post emergent to kill them, sometimes with multiple applications. Post emergent is the most cost prohibitive way to handle the weeds in your landscape. 

Q: Is pre-emergent safe for my animals? 

A: When it comes to safety, using a licensed applicator is extremely important. Licensed applicators have laws to abide by, which leads to keeping themselves and their customers safe. When applicators break the law and/or don’t follow the rules, dangerous situations can take place. Therefore, we are mandated under law to use products in accordance with their rules.

The products that we use for pre-emergent are not harmful to people, domestic animals, livestock, or wildlife. Additionally, the products that we use are always locked up in our lock-boxes, which is a law that we must follow from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. 

Q: When is the optimal time of year to apply pre-emergent? 

A: A Chinese proverb says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”  Pre-emergent is the same idea; the best time of year to apply pre-emergent is 14 months ago. Read our article titled “When Is The Best Month To Apply Pre-Emergent In Northern Arizona?” to become a quick pre-emergent expert!

Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent? 

A: The differences are enormous. The quality of the pre-emergent used will be the difference between no weeds, some weeds or lots of weeds. Make sure to inquire about the quality of the pre-emergent that’ll be used for you. Read our article titled “4 Elements For High Quality Pre-Emergent in Northern Arizona” to learn what’s actually important to having a weed free yard.