When it comes to protecting ornamental beds and nursery areas from early-season weed pressure, pre-emergent herbicide selection plays a critical role. Not all products deliver the same spectrum of control, and choosing the right active ingredient combination can make a meaningful difference in long-term results.
Two proven granular options: Tricept 2.5 DG and 5% Treflan on DG Pro offer reliable pre-emergent performance, but each is designed to meet slightly different needs.
Active Ingredients & Control Spectrum
The primary difference between these two products comes down to weed spectrum.
Tricept 2.5 DG
(Trifluralin + Isoxaben)
Tricept combines two complementary active ingredients to deliver broad-spectrum pre-emergent control:
- Trifluralin: Targets annual grasses and some small-seeded broadleaf weeds
- Isoxaben: Provides strong control of key broadleaf weeds, particularly small-seeded species
This dual-active formulation expands coverage to include both grassy and broadleaf weeds, making it a more comprehensive solution for ornamental settings.
5% Treflan on DG Pro
(Trifluralin)
This product relies solely on trifluralin, a trusted standard for annual grass control:
- Excellent performance on grassy weeds
- Limited activity on broadleaf weeds compared to combination products
It’s a dependable, straightforward option when grass pressure is the primary concern.
Ideal Use Cases
Where Tricept 2.5 DG Excels
Tricept is best suited for environments where diverse weed pressure is expected:
- Landscape beds with mixed weed populations
- High-visibility ornamental areas
- Sites prone to small-seeded broadleaf weeds like spurge, oxalis, or chickweed
With its broader control spectrum, Tricept helps reduce the need for additional herbicide applications later in the season.
Where 5% Treflan on DG Pro Fits
Treflan on DG Pro is a strong choice for more targeted applications:
- Nursery production areas
- Landscape beds with primarily annual grass pressure
- Programs where broadleaf control is handled separately
It offers a cost-effective and reliable solution when you don’t need the added broadleaf activity.
Formulation Advantage: DG Technology
Both products are built on advanced dispersing granule platforms: DG Pro and DG Technology, which provide:
- Uniform distribution across the application area
- Granules that disperse into microparticles when watered in
- Improved coverage and consistency compared to traditional granules
This ensures that regardless of product choice, you’re getting even, predictable performance in the field.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between Tricept 2.5 DG and 5% Treflan on DG Pro ultimately comes down to your weed spectrum and program goals:
- Need broad-spectrum control (grasses + broadleaf weeds)? → Tricept 2.5 DG
- Focused primarily on annual grasses? → 5% Treflan on DG Pro
Both products deliver proven pre-emergent performance, but selecting the right one ensures you’re matching your chemistry to your conditions.
