In the war against weeds, crabgrass is a frustrating foe. It’s one of those weeds that can be challenging to get rid of as it seems to just keep coming back. Maybe you’ve even dealt with it in previous seasons and you’re frustrated that you can’t seem to get it under control. If you’re trying to maintain a beautiful property, then you likely want to determine crabgrass solutions that will actually work.
How Does Crabgrass Grow and Spread?
First, understanding why crabgrass is so persistent can help you find the best way to deal with it. You should know that just a single crabgrass plant can produce up to 75,000 seeds which will lay dormant until the ideal germination time—typically mid to late spring. This is why it often appears as though crabgrass just bursts onto your turf seemingly out of nowhere and spreads like wildfire.
It’s also important to recognize that crabgrass doesn’t need much to care to grow. It’s a hardy weed that will easily thrive. Because it likes the heat, crabgrass most commonly appears in thinned out areas of the turf as well as alongside hardscaping where there is easy access to sunlight.
Recognizing just how tough crabgrass can be, you’ll understand that once it has emerged it’s a bit more difficult to control. That’s why the best course of action is to prevent it in the first place.
The Use of Crabgrass Preventer
The best way to deal with crabgrass is the professional application of a pre-emergent that will prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating. Pre-emergent, also commonly referred to as “crabgrass preventer,” is a product that creates a thin barrier near the surface of your soil. When germinating seeds come into contact with the barrier, they die off. This approach will kill the majority of the crabgrass in your turf.
When to Apply Crabgrass Preventer
A professional approach to controlling crabgrass will also take timing into account. That’s because in order for the product to work properly, it does need to be applied in the spring—before crabgrass starts germinating. A professional company that takes timing seriously will be closely watching the weather and soil temperatures in order to determine the best timing for the first application in order to ensure it has the greatest impact possible.
Dealing with Breakthrough
While crabgrass preventer will take care of most of the germinating weeds, a professional approach will also include a plan of action for any breakthrough that occurs. Utilizing a post-emergent product, any crabgrass that does end up making its way into your turf can be eradicated this way.
Limiting Growth
The professional use of products is a critical component of a crabgrass attack plan. But you can also make some cultural changes that that limit its growth in the first place. Anything that you can do to keep your lawn thick and healthy will help naturally knock back crabgrass as it absolutely thrives in thinned out areas.
This includes keeping your turf mowed to the proper height (not too short), avoiding scalping the edges of any hardscaped areas, and keeping your turf well-irrigated even during times of drought. Being part of an ongoing lawn care program that helps promote thick and healthy turf will also have an impact.
Of course, it shouldn’t fall on you to know all the steps that need to be taken to keep crabgrass out of your lawn. A professional will already know that it takes a multi-faceted and strategic plan to control crabgrass and they’ll have you fully covered.
By choosing to work with a company like Bluegrass, you can feel confident that a pesky weed like crabgrass won’t stand a chance. We’re prepared to take this weed down before it ever has the chance to wreak havoc on your property.
