pre emergent and a wet yard

Yes, I think so. Are using the Atrazine strictly as a pre-emergent or also as a post-emergent to kill existing weeds? If you main interest is as a pre-emergent there are better options such as Dimension (dithiopyr) and prodiamine. Atrazine is a good post-emergent herbicide this time of year particularly if mixed with a “Trimec” herbicide, something like Fertilome Weed-Free-Zone. This is discussed in another thread on the H&G board

Of course you’ll greatly benefit if over time you can improve your lawn drainage - fill sand, underground drainage, etc. Take your time and do it stages if you are a DYIer. I can sympathize on the lawn drainage - been working to improve mine for a few years, it’s much improved but still some have work to do.

I'll be applying Atrazine and Weed Free Zone this weekend for the spring weeds.

I need find something that will stop the dang seeds under my bird feeders from sprouting though. Besides sterilizing the seed which is arguably detrimental to the bird's health.

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But, seriously you can sprinkle some pre-emergent herbicide under and around the feeders and that will kill the seed embryos when they sprout. It won’t harm the birds.

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Dimension or something better?

Yes - Dimension would be a good one, but if by chance you have any other type of pre-emergent at your house try it first.

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CrawDude

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I finally want to start taking my lawn seriously, and get on a calendar... I got some prodiamine pre-emergent, and some bifen insecticide. Weather looks great this weekend in BR, but looks like rain all next week. Should I spray both this weekend, or wait until next weekend? I want to get the timing right, but don't want it to be wasted just washing away.

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I got some prodiamine pre-emergent, and some bifen insecticide. Weather looks great this weekend in BR, but looks like rain all next week. Should I spray both this weekend, or wait until next weekend? I want to get the timing right, but don't want it to be wasted just washing away.

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I’d recommend you spray the prodiamine this weekend and let the rain next week water it in. The prodiamine label says it must be watered in with 0.5 inch water 14 days of application.

I would think it’s a bit early to be applying bifen unless you know you have a insect issue that must be dealt with now. Maybe wait until late March/April for the bifenthrin.

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Insects are fine until April or so, but during the late spring and summer I get large ant piles and some bug that I haven't identified but covers the lawn and bites my ankles like crazy, very annoying.

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Bifenthrin is a good all purpose lawn insecticide and I use it twice per year. if history shows you start seeing lawn insect problems in April then perhaps put it out in mid to late March. Supposed to have a residual effect for up to 4 months, so consider re-applying in June/July.

Products containing the insecticide fipronil were great for lawns primary because it’s long residual time use but unfortunately it’s a restricted use pesticide for that purpose now so not available to homeowners without a pesticide applicators license.