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Fast-moving crabgrass infests lawns across the country and since there are many different weed grasses, it is critical that the undesirable grass be correctly identified. For example, if the coarse, ugly grass infesting your lawn is green as soon as the snow melts in early spring, the weed grass is not crabgrass.
Early and correct identification is important since the quicker you take action against crabgrass, the sooner you will be see favorable results and the greater your chances of preventing its spread.
The following are some helpful facts homeowners should know about crabgrass, the conditions which cause it, and what they can do to help stem the tide if they have it in their lawn. It should be noted that control measures for annual and perennial weed grasses differ, and controlling crabgrass can take several seasons of work so have patience.
• Crabgrass is very difficult to identify early in spring since only plant skeletons are present at this time.
• Crabgrass is best identified in summer or fall for control in fall or the following spring.
• Crabgrass cannot be controlled with broadleaf weed control products.
• Crabgrass favors sandy, sunny locations in a weakened condition. Areas damaged by insects or along sidewalks and driveways are prime targets for crabgrass attack.
• A strong, healthy, properly fertilized, mowed and watered lawn provides the strongest defense against crabgrass. Thick, lush, insect and weed-free lawns allow few open sites for crabgrass to establish.
Crabgrass control combines reducing numbers of crabgrass with strengthening the overall health of your lawn. Application of crabgrass control material in fall or very early in the spring before the crabgrass seeds germinate is important. It will form a barrier to stop crabgrass seed roots as they germinate and remember, following application, this barrier must not be broken by raking or digging.
Ongoing proper maintenance is also an important step to help rid your lawn of crabgrass. One of the easiest maintenance steps is to remember not to mow your lawn too low. Taller grass will shade the soil and make it less hospitable for many weed seeds, like crabgrass, to develop. Most grasses do well at a mowing height of 2 inches to 3 inches, and some varieties even higher.
The fight against crabgrass requires patience and a commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy lawn. It will take some hard work but a thick, dark green, crabgrass-free lawn is well worth the patience and special care.
To learn more: Weed Man
