Do you know the difference between dithiopyr and prodiamine? If not, you’re not alone! These two herbicides are often confused with one another, but they have some significant differences.
Dithiopyr vs. Prodiamine; what’s the difference? Dithipoyr is both a pre and post-emergent, which means it will prevent weeds from becoming established, or getting them if they do somehow develop. Prodiamine is only a pre-emergent herbicide.
This article will explain what each herbicide does, and how to choose the right one for your garden.
Dithiopyr vs. Prodiamine: What’s The Difference?
Along with pendimethalin, dithiopyr and prodiamine are some of the most popular crabgrass preventers on the market, but how do they differ?
As I mentioned earlier, the main difference between dithiopyr and prodiamine is that dithiopyr is a pre-emergent and post-emergent, while prodiamine is just a pre-emergent. When I say just, I don’t mean that negatively; they both have an essential role in weed control.
Dithiopyr Advantages
Dithiopyr, or Dimension, which it is also known as, is widely regarded for its dual-action qualities. As I mentioned earlier, it’s both a pre and a post-emergent.
For a number of weeds, specifically crabgrass, dithiopyr can post-emergently control it.
However, it’s not just as simple as throwing it down and hoping it works, its a little more complicated than that!
You’ll only benefit from dithiopyr’s post-emergent qualities if a few conditions are met:
- The crabgrass must be in the appropriate tiller stage.
- It would be best if you used dithiopyr as a liquid, granules will NOT work.
- The application must be alongside a surfactant in the tank.
Prodiamine Advantages
What makes prodiamine such a popular product is its effectiveness for a relatively low expense.
Prodiamine as a herbicide is renowned for its long-lasting capabilities, it can be applied at a variable rate, which gives it an extended period of control.
It’s also excellent at resisting rainfall; what you’ll see a lot with these types of lawn application products is rainfall can wash it away. Prodiamine is insoluble, which means it won’t move very easily with rainfall, keeping it in position, and doing its job.
However, compared to dithiopyr, prodiamine has less downward mobility and a much lower leaching rate.
Dithiopyr vs. Prodiamine; Soil Mobility
Dithiopyr and prodiamine both have different levels of soil mobility.
Dithiopyr has more downward movement; this means it can move through the soil profile until it reaches the water table. This ability allows dithiopyr to target crabgrass and other weeds below the soil surface effectively.
On the other hand, prodiamine has less downward mobility and a much lower leaching rate. This makes it more effective for targeting weeds that are above the soil surface but also makes it less suitable for deeper-rooted weeds.
When To Use Dithiopyr & Prodiamine
Now, which one is for you? When is the ideal time to use either herbicides?
What’s important to consider is the timing of your application and your lawn care schedule.
If you’re the kind of person that likes to get out there in early spring, get an application of pre-emergent down, and then forget about it, Prodiamine is going to be your best bet.
Prodiamine is more robust than dithiopyr, which means it can get to work in less-than-ideal conditions. The fact it’s insoluble also means it’ll stick to your lawn better, even if you receive a large amount of rainfall, making it perfect for early application.
Now, dithiopyr (Dimension) will tend to deliver better results if it’s applied later.
If you’re happy to wait until your soil temperature hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Dimension is the route you should take. You’ll get the best results with the optimal pre-emergent temperature, and if applied correctly, you’ll also receive the post-emergent benefits of Dimension later into the year.
How Long Does Dithiopyr & Prodiamine Last?
Now, dithiopyr and Prodiamine both have different durations of control.
Dithiopyr will last you up to four months from the point of watering it in, while prodiamine can provide up to six months of protection.
It’s worth noting that dithiopyr has a longer active life when applied in cooler temperatures; the lower the temperature, the more dithiopyr will last.
In warmer temperatures, dithiopyr’s effective life can be as low as two to three months. While prodiamine is still active in warm and hot temperatures, dithiopyr needs to be reapplied sooner or else it won’t provide full protection.
My Recommended Application Schedule
In case you’re interested in my recommended application schedule, I thought I’d share it with you!
Because I’m a big fan of both of these products, and I’m a perfectionist looking for the perfect lawn, see below, I double up on these products.
In very early spring, I’m talking late March to early April; I’ll apply a granular prodiamine, preferably 65WDG, before the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then around 5-7 weeks later, once the soil is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the prodiamine has had a chance to get to work, I’ll apply dithiopyr. Important to remember I’ll use it as a liquid, alongside a surfactant.
This has been my schedule for the last few seasons, and I couldn’t ask for better results. I’ll put a link to the two products I use just below this.
Dithiopyr: Dimension
Prodiamine: Quali-Pro
- PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE: Quali-Pro's Prodiamine 65 WDG provides pre-emergent...
- FEATURES & BENEFITS: Excellent tank mix partner with fertilizers and iron...
- USE SITES: Nurse, Landscape, Turf, Trees, Golf Courses
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST: Annual bluegrass (Poa annua), Henbit, Knotweed,...
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Prodiamine 65%
If you’re looking for more information on dithiopyr and prodiamine, the video below by The Grass Factor is full of useful information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is better barricade or Dimension?
Barricade (prodiamine) is better for pre-emergence applications, meaning it’s more effective at targeting weeds before they grow. Dimension (dithiopyr) is overall a more versatile product; it works well for both pre-emergence and post-emergence applications.
Does dithiopyr or prodiamine negatively affect soil?
No, dithiopyr and prodiamine are both safe to use and have minimal impact on soil. Both of these products are classified as low-risk herbicides, meaning they’re not likely to pose any risk when used according to the label directions.
Conclusion
Dithiopyr vs. Prodiamine didn’t really stack up to be a fair fight, did it? Seeing as they can be used together to create an excellent lawn care schedule, I’ll call this one a tie.
The main difference between the two products is that prodiamine is a pre-emergent, and dithiopyr is a pre, and post-emergent. Using them in combination with each other is a powerful way to prevent crabgrass and one I’d recommend.
Ensure you follow the instructions above, and always check the label on the back of any product you purchase.
