What is Crabgrass? How to Identify Crabgrass in Your Lawn
Annual summer crabgrass is a common low-growing weed known for its rapid spread. This troublesome weed appears in nearly every landscape and is easily noticeable and identifiable. Mature crabgrass typically has a yellow-green color and grows in a coarse, star-like pattern due to its growth from a single root. Understanding how to identify and control crabgrass is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn.
When Does Crabgrass Grow? Understanding Crabgrass Growth Patterns
Crabgrass begins to germinate in mid-spring, making it abundant and pervasive during the summer. It thrives in hot conditions and poorly maintained or neglected areas of lawns, especially where soil borders pavement, as these areas absorb and retain more heat. The peak summer heat, abundant sunlight, and associated lawn stress create ideal growing conditions for this persistent weed.
If left untreated, by the time summer transitions to fall, crabgrass tends to produce large seed heads, with a single plant capable of generating thousands of seeds. This is the root of the annual crabgrass problem, as these seeds can remain in the soil for years.
Effective Crabgrass Control Methods
It is feasible to remove crabgrass without harming your lawn. To treat crabgrass that has already germinated, apply a post-emergent weed control treatment, focusing on areas where the weed is visible. If new crabgrass sprouts after treatment, apply a spot treatment specifically to these newly emerging areas.
Timing is crucial for post-emergent treatments. Applying the treatment when the weeds are actively growing (but not fully mature) will be more effective. This helps prevent the weeds from developing seed heads. The process of fully removing this weed takes time, typically not just one season, therefore, it is important to understand the significance of adhering to a lawn program for more than one season for optimal results.
Best Practices for Crabgrass Prevention: How to Stop Crabgrass Before it Starts
To prevent crabgrass and their seeds from developing, apply a pre-emergent weed control application in the spring. The timing of the pre-emergent weed treatment is vital. For Massachusetts and the New England area, the ideal time for this application is from April to May. At Pure Solutions, we also recommend a second application approximately two months after the initial treatment.
It's important to remember that the best way to prevent and protect against weeds is by maintaining a healthy lawn overall. Establish a lush and dense lawn through fertilization, seeding, and other vital services while practicing proper mowing and watering techniques. To view our recommended watering and mowing guidelines, click HERE.
Essential Lawn Care Tips to Prevent and Control Crabgrass
Stop wondering, "Why does my yard have so much crabgrass?" and start taking action. To prevent and eliminate crabgrass from your property, follow these tips:
- Mow high: Avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the grass blade at a time
- Water appropriately: Water less frequently but more deeply to promote root health and dry out shallow-rooted weeds
- Reduce soil compaction and promote new grass growth: To reduce soil compaction caused by mowing, walking, and other activities, aerate your lawn. Aeration uses a mechanical aerator to create holes in the soil improving air, water, and nutrient absorption. Combining aeration with overseeding enhances lawn density, which can help reduce crabgrass.
- Apply Weed Treatments: Use pre-emergent and post-emergent weed treatments as described above.
As part of our Organic Lawn Care Programs, our weed management services are essential for nurturing a vibrant, natural lawn. The most effective preventative and protective measure against weeds is maintaining an overall healthy lawn. To achieve this, focus on establishing a lush, dense lawn through proper seeding and fertilization, along with correct mowing and watering practices.
For more lawn care tips, expert advice on crabgrass control, and inquiries, contact our Pure Solutions Team.
Sources:
Admin. (2016, October 26). Biology and Management of Crabgrass. Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/biology-management-of-crabgrass
Digital, S. (2024, May 29). Organic Weed Control Service - Natural Lawn Care Company. Pure Solutions. https://www.puresolutions.com/pure-page/organic-lawn-care-treatment/weed-control/
UMass Extension Turf Program. (2016, October 24). Biology and management of crabgrass. Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/biology-management-of-crabgrass
