Most weed control is reactive: weeds come up, you pull or spray them, and more come up behind them. A pre-emergent herbicide flips that around by stopping weed seeds from establishing in the first place.
How Barricade works
Barricade is a selective pre-emergent herbicide. Once applied and watered in, it binds tightly to the top 1–2cm of soil and forms a barrier. When weed seeds germinate, their new root tips grow into that layer and can't develop, so the weed never establishes.
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Up to six months' control from a single application per season.
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Safe on established plants and lawns: roots below the barrier aren't affected.
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Low odour and non-staining, and exempt from poison scheduling.
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Flexible: it can sit for a few days before being watered in if needed.
Important: it won't kill existing weeds
Barricade stops new weeds; it doesn't kill weeds that are already growing. Clear existing weeds first by hand-weeding or with a knockdown spray, then apply Barricade to keep the area clean.
When to apply
Timing is everything with a pre-emergent: it needs to be in place before the weeds germinate.
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Late winter to early spring: before summer weeds and grasses start germinating as the soil warms.
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Autumn: before cool-season weeds germinate with autumn rain.
Where to use it
Established lawns
Apply to established lawns to help prevent weedy grasses and weeds coming through. Don't apply where you're about to sow grass seed — it will stop the seed establishing too. Check the label for how long to wait before sowing or overseeding treated areas.
Garden beds
After weeding and planting, apply to beds and then mulch with Mega Mulch or Bark Nuggets. Mulch plus a pre-emergent is a very effective combination. Avoid areas where you plan to sow seeds.
Pots and containers
Useful for large potted plants where weeds and grasses keep appearing in the mix.
Paths, driveways and fence lines
On gravel paths, metal driveways and fence lines, Barricade can be tank-mixed with glyphosate to knock down existing weeds and prevent new ones in a single application, giving up to six months of control. Keep glyphosate mixes well away from lawns and garden plants.
Applying it
- Read the label and use the rate for your situation.
- Remove existing weeds and rake up loose debris.
- Apply evenly with a sprayer, following the label directions.
- Water in so it moves into the top layer of soil.
- Avoid digging or disturbing the treated surface afterwards, which breaks the barrier.
Quick answers
How long does Barricade last? Up to six months from a single application, depending on conditions.
Can I plant into a treated bed? Transplanted plants and seedlings with established roots are fine. Sowing seeds into treated soil isn't recommended.
Will it stop weeds in gravel? Yes. Weeds in gravel usually grow from seeds landing in debris on top, which is exactly what a pre-emergent stops. Combined with weed mat underneath, it keeps stone areas very clean.
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