Pre-emergent for mulched areas

depending how big the area is. I'd probably start with Preen extended control (the orange-ish yellow container) since I have pretty good luck with that one in my rock beds and flowerbeds

Gallery (Isoxaben) or Dimension (dithiopyr) as pre-emergents. Just remember pre-emergents need to be applied and watered in before the weed seeds germinate - usually about now (mid-Feb) in the Deep South - certainly south AL ; north AL late Feb-mid-March. Once weed seeds germinate you’ll still need post-emergent herbicides.