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Preen Southern Weed Preventer

Preen Southern Weed Preventer is rated 4.9 out of 5 by 160.
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Preen Southern Weed Preventer is formulated specifically for tough southern weeds and warm climates. It inhibits most weeds from germinating for up to 4 months in flower beds, and around ground covers, trees, and shrubs. Although this product will not kill existing weeds, it will prevent new weeds from sprouting – eliminating the need for difficult and time-consuming hand weeding.

Without weeds, your valuable plants can grow larger and stronger and your beds will stay neat and weed-free all season long!  

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Application

When to Apply

Apply Preen Southern Weed Preventer anytime during the growing season only around established plants. It should not be used on flower seeds, but may be used after flowering plants have germinated and are 2-3 inches tall. Since it does not kill existing weeds, you must first remove any that have already begun to grow.

By applying Preen Southern Weed Preventer as early as possible, however, you may eliminate the need for hand weeding. For the maximum in plant maintenance, reapply every 4 months.

Applying Around Established and Transplanted Plants

For flowers, roses, herbs, ground covers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees, sprinkle Preen Southern Weed Preventer evenly over the entire soil surface, then water the weed preventer into the soil’s surface. Always wash or brush off stray granules from plant foliage.

Applying with Mulch

For best weed control, we recommend applying Preen Southern Weed Preventer after spreading mulch on your flower and shrub beds. Sprinkle the product on top of mulch at surface rate, then water into the mulch to activate. 

NOT FOR USE ON VEGETABLE GARDENS OR LAWNS.

This is not the product label. Always read and follow directions on the product label. Use only as directed.

FAQ

Coupons

Do you offer coupons, rebates, etc?

We, as the manufacturer of Preen, do not offer any coupons or rebates. However, very often our retailers or mass merchants offer their own special sale price, coupons or rebates. Local flyers, newspaper inserts and media advertising can alert you to these offers.

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General Product Questions

What is the active ingredient in Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

0.27% Dithiopyr (Dimension).

What are the other ingredients in Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Preen® Southern Weed Preventer also contains a carrier agent such as corn cob or attaclay.

What does “Southern Gardens” on the Preen® Weed Preventer for Southern Gardens label mean?

The term “Southern Gardens” refers to gardens that grow in climates with longer warm seasons than the north, especially Plant Hardiness zones 7-10.

What weed seeds does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer prevent from germinating?

See our list of weeds controlled or the product label.

How long does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer prevent its label listed weed seeds from germinating?

Up to 4 months per application. Reapplication may be necessary sooner if heavy rain occurs.

How long does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer last in the soil?

Up to 4 months per application. The rate at which Preen Southern Weed Preventer biodegrades will depend on temperature, soil type, rain/moisture, sunlight and amount applied.

What weeds does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer kill?

None; Preen® Southern Weed Preventer helps to prevent its label listed weed seeds from germinating up to 4 months per application. It does not kill or inhibit existing weeds in any way.

What does “established plant” mean on the Preen® Southern Weed Preventer label?

The term “established plant” refers to flowers, trees and shrubs at least 3″ in height, not recently transplanted and having a strong root system. An established groundcover is one not recently planted and that has spread or filled in to your satisfaction. (Note: Groundcovers will not spread while Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is active, about 12–16 weeks).

What does “non-bearing fruit and nut trees” mean?

The term “non-bearing fruit and nut trees” refers to established fruit and nut trees that are not presently bearing fruit or nuts. Preen® Southern Weed Preventer cannot be applied around fruit and nut trees.

What are the particles on the soil surface after I watered Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

They are a carrier agent, such as corncob, and will biodegrade over time.

Can I walk on a Preen® Weed Southern Preventer treated area?

Avoid walking on a treated area; any disturbance will result in erratic weed prevention.

How does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer work?

Preen Southern Weed Preventer creates a barrier that inhibits weed seed growth. The barrier lasts up to 4 months.

Will rain wash Preen® Southern Weed Preventer away?

No, but heavy rains may shorten its effective period.

Why is the Preen® Southern Weed Preventer container not full?

Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is packaged/sold by weight not by volume; if you weigh the container you will find that the weight is as stated or slightly higher.

I have Preen Garden Weed Preventer. Is that the same as Preen Southern Weed Preventer?

No; they have different active ingredients, different compatible plant lists, different weed seeds controlled lists, and different active periods.

Do you have a guarantee on your products?

Preen® Guarantee: To the extent consistent with applicable law, Lebanon Seaboard Corporation guarantees you will be satisfied with the performance of Preen® products when used as directed, or your money back. If not satisfied, describe the nature of your problem, and send with proof of purchase to:

Lebanon Seaboard Corporation
1600 East Cumberland St.
Lebanon, PA 17042

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Proper Use

When do I apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Anytime during the growing season when the ground temperture is at least 50–55 degrees.

Do I have to weed first before applying Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Yes; Preen® Southern Weed Preventer does not kill existing weeds, so you must hand-pull existing weeds first. Note that Preen® Southern Weed Preventer will not control weeds that are tilled under.

When do I reapply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Reapply every 4 months in the growing season for continued label listed weed seed prevention.

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be applied when plant foliage is wet?

No; as plant injury could result.

Must Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be watered-in?

Yes; rain or water must immediately follow application to activate Preen® Southern Weed Preventer.

What happens if rain or water does not immediately occur after application?

Preen® Southern Weed Preventer will not start to work until rain or watering occurs. If watering is not an option, time your application with rain. Lightly rake Preen® Southern Weed Preventer into the soil surface to protect it from sunlight until rain occurs.

How much Preen® Southern Weed Preventer do I apply?

Apply at a rate of 0.68 ounces per 10 square feet per application, and no more than 4.25 pounds per 1,000 square feet. In the state of New York (excluding Nassau and Suffolk counties), do not apply more than 4.25 pounds per 1,000 square feet per year; do not apply this product in Nassau and Suffolk counties of New York.

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be applied on plant foliage or plant roots?

No; plant injury could result.

What do I do if Preen® Southern Weed Preventer accidentally got on plant foliage during application?

Before watering, immediately dry-brush Preen® Southern Weed Preventer gently off plant foliage.

How do you use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer with established flowers, shrubs, and trees?

Ensure the flowers, shrubs and trees are listed on the label. Remove existing weeds and weed roots. Then, apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer and water thoroughly.

When do I apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer with bulbs?

Apply on dry weed-free garden soil when any of the label recommended bulb plants are at least 3″ in height out of the soil. Water immediately after application.

How do you use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer with groundcovers?

Ensure your groundcovers are fully established, have spread to your satisfaction and are listed on the label. Remove existing weeds and weed roots. Then, apply Preen Southern Weed Preventer around the dry foliage. Water thoroughly.

Does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer control weeds that are tilled under?

No; weeds that are not completely removed will emerge again.

Do I apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer by hand?

No; apply with either the refillable shaker canister, the scoop included in some Preen® Southern Weed Preventer packaging, your garden scoop, or a make shift applicator.

Can I mix Preen® Southern Weed Preventer with water before application?

No; mixing with water dilutes the active ingredient and renders Preen® Southern Weed Preventer ineffective.

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Storage & Safety

Where can I find emergency medical information for Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Immediately call Prosar Corporation toll-free at (888) 208-1368 and/or 911.

When can people and pets enter an area that was treated with Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

After the treated area is thoroughly dry from the first rain or watering.

How do I dispose of Preen® Southern Weed Preventer or its empty container?

Call your local municipality to inquire on proper product disposal and/or package recycling, or call 1-800-CLEANUP. If not recycleable and container is empty, place empty container in trash.

What can I do if I applied Preen® Southern Weed Preventer to my lawn, grass or flower seeds, a non-recommended plant, etc.?

The active ingredient should be neutralized using activated charcoal granules. Activated charcoal can be found at garden centers, pool supply stores, pet stores, or in the aquarium supply section of stores. Call the store first to confirm availability. Charcoal bricks used in a grill will not work.

  1. Sprinkle activated charcoal granules onto the soil surface at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet.
  2. Gently rake the activated charcoal into surface of soil.
  3. Thoroughly water the activated charcoal treated area.
  4. Repeat the watering schedule for three days.
  5. Cease watering and wait two days. After two days, the active ingredient in the product will be neutralized.
What happens if Preen® Southern Weed Preventer was over-applied?

Injury may occur to plants.

Preen® Southern Weed Preventer was over-applied in my garden. How can I save my plants from injury?

If rain or watering did not occur: Physically remove Preen® Southern Weed Preventer.

If rain or watering did occur, or if you were unable to physically remove Preen® Southern Weed Preventer, neutralize Preen® Southern Weed Preventer. following these steps.

The active ingredient should be neutralized using activated charcoal granules. Activated charcoal can be found at garden centers, pool supply stores, pet stores, or in the aquarium supply section of stores. Call the store first to confirm availability. Charcoal bricks used in a grill will not work.

  1. Sprinkle activated charcoal granules onto the soil surface at a rate of one pound per 100 square feet.
  2. Gently rake the activated charcoal into surface of soil.
  3. Thoroughly water the activated charcoal treated area.
  4. Repeat the watering schedule for three days.
  5. Cease watering and wait two days. After two days, the active ingredient in the product will be neutralized.
Does Preen® Southern Weed Preventer expire?

No; Preen® Southern Weed Preventer has an indefinite shelf-life as long as it's sheltered from moisture and sunlight.

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be stored for next year?

Yes. Store in a dry place away from sunlight and moisture, atop a piece of cardboard or an old newspaper.

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Use with Seeds and Young Plants

Will flower seeds or grass seed germinate with Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Flower seeds or grass seed will not germinate or reseed while Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is active (about 4 months per application).

When can I sow seeds or transplant plants after an application of Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

Wait 4 months from when Preen® Southern Weed Preventer was applied.

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Use Around Vegetables

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be applied to a vegetable garden?

No; injury will result.

What if I applied Preen® Southern Weed Preventer to a vegetable garden?

Dispose of the vegetable plants and do not eat vegetables from the treated area for one year. Vegetables can be replanted in one year.

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Use with Mulch

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be applied on top of mulch?

Yes. After removing existing weeds and weed roots, rake the mulch to loosen it, and ensure the mulch is 2-3″ thick. Then, apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer and water thoroughly.

Can I apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer before mulching?

Yes, after removing existing weeds and weed roots. Then, apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer and water thoroughly.

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Where to Apply Preen

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer on my lawn or with grass seed or sod?

No; turf injury could result. Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is not labeled for use on lawns.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer in or near a pond, lake, or other type of waterway?

No; Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is harmful to aquatic life.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer around, under, or near a swimming pool, sandbox, playground type areas, under bird feeders, etc.?

No.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer in or near a greenhouse or any type of enclosed area?

No; volitization could occur causing plant injury.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer where chickens, horses or livestock graze?

No.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer on a garden slope or hillside?

Yes; if a waterway is not at the bottom of the slope/hillside.

Can I use Preen® Southern Weed Preventer with a plant that is not listed in the recommended established plant section?

Yes, but use caution. Make a trial application of Preen at the recommended rate around one or two plants. Observe the plants for 30 to 60 days. If plant injury results, do not use Preen around other plants of the same species. [NOTE: Consumer assumes liability for any plant damage resulting from the use of Preen around plant species not recommended on the label.]

How close can I apply Preen® Southern Weed Preventer to a non-recommended plant?

We recommend keeping Preen® Southern Weed Preventer at least 12″ outside the drip-line from a non-recommended plant.

Can Preen® Southern Weed Preventer be used in potted plants or planter boxes?

No; plant injury could result.

Can I apply between bricks or patio blocks, on pebbles or on other hard surfaces?

Yes.

What plants are recommended with Preen® Southern Weed Preventer?

See our plant compatibility tool or the product label.

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Where to Buy Preen

Is Preen® Southern Weed Preventer available outside of the United States?

No; Preen® Southern Weed Preventer is not available or registered outside of the United States.

Can I order Preen Southern Weed Preventer on your website?

No, but the product is available at most home and garden centers. Use our store locator to find a retailer near you.

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Weeds Controlled

Available Sizes

Reviews

To review a particular product within this family please choose from one of the available sizes below, or you may continue to write a review for Preen Southern Weed Preventer without selecting a size.

Rated 5 out of 5 by from Preen Southen Weed Preventer After I told my brother how successful Preen is around our house, he decided to use the Preen Southern Weed Preventer in Kentucky...and loves how it works! The drum is easier for him to maneuver around his yard.
Date published: 2017-06-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love this stuff I have used this Preen Weed Preventer and it works. I have not had to weed my flowers beds for over a month. It really works and I love it.
Date published: 2017-06-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome Product I have been using Preen Southern Weed Preventer for quiet some time. The product works great, before I was always weeding my garden. Now I just sprinkle the Preen in the flower bed and no weeds. I love it, it saves my back from all that bending over. Great product.
Date published: 2017-05-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Execellent Product Excellent for longtime weed control which cuts down on time in the heat during the summer and preserves the great look well maintained flower beds.
Date published: 2017-05-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Very good. I first started using Preen about 2 or 3 years ago in my flower bed. It is a good product. I am continuing to use it
Date published: 2017-05-30
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Works very well to control weeds I bought a small bag last month to test on the walkway made from decomposed granite at the house in Texas. It seemed to work very well so I bought the large drum and placed it around the plants and shrubs at the house in Virginia. So far so good and think it will make a major difference in the amount of weeding I will end up doing this year.
Date published: 2017-05-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well! Weeding alone is not enough, remember to add Preen and you can actually enjoy your garden weed free longer!
Date published: 2017-05-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from amazing I have used this product for years. Due to my health I can weed often . This takes care of the weeds for me for up to a month. Love !
Date published: 2017-05-22
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