As we approach the end of January we find ourselves recovering from the effects of an ice/sleet storm.  Overnight temperatures have dropped into the single digits this week and that has really slowed down any thawing.  Thankfully, this one was no comparison to the last couple of ice storms we were subjected to.  For those of us not particularly fond of these winter weather conditions, spring time can’t get here soon enough.  Even now the daylight hours are beginning to get noticeably longer.  It is this increase in day length that triggers various responses in plants whether they are in our landscapes or in the wild.  Among the responses we in the lawn care profession are most concerned with is seed germination.  An increase in soil temperatures that corresponds with longer days results in germinating seeds of many species of spring and summer plants.  Most homeowners wish to keep invading plants or weeds from taking hold in their lawns.  It is for this reason we apply products known as pre-emergents before the seeds have the opportunity to germinate.  Application of a good pre-emergent along with proper cultural practices can help prevent crabgrass and other summer weeds from appearing in your lawn.  The science and research that goes into the development of weed control technology has come a long way the last few years.  We used to apply amounts of 2 to 3 quarts of a product per acre whereas now the amount of product we apply is in many cases less than 20 ounces per acre.  Even more important for those of us concerned with being good stewards of the land, the products used today have very low water solubility which means they stay put once they are applied and watered into the soil.  There is essentially no risk of these products leaching and entering ground water sources.  And as is the case with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  There is simply no better way to minimize weeds in your lawn than a properly timed application of a quality pre-emergent.