One of the most frustrating weeds that a homeowner has to contend with in the warmer months is crabgrass. It grows fast, destroys the appearance of your lawn, and it fights with your grass over water, nutrients, and sunlight. Luckily, though, you can manage to control crabgrass with a little effort and using the right approach.
In this blog, we are going to discuss what crabgrass is and why it grows and the 7 best methods to kill crabgrass and make sure it does not come back.
What Is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is an annual summer weed, which grows in hot and dry climate. It is named after its crab-like spreading habit as it grows in low, flat masses that occupy thin or bare areas in your lawn. Crabgrass commonly grows in late spring and spreads during the summer months.
In the fall, a single plant might yield thousands of seeds, which can germinate next year unless addressed in a proper way.
Why Crabgrass Grows in Lawns
Crabgrass loves:
• Bare or thin patches of lawn
• Compacted soil
• Under-watered lawns
• Poor mowing practices
• Lawns not fertilized properly
In order to eliminate crabgrass, one should take into consideration these conditions and apply specific control measures.
7 Techniques for Effective Crabgrass Control
1. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Spring
A pre-emergent herbicide prevents crabgrass seeds from sprouting. It is all about timing, apply it in early spring when the soil is around 12 C (usually late April to early May in most parts of Canada).
- Pay attention to the bloom of forsythia bushes, it is a good indicator that it is time to use pre-emergent.
- Apply a product that is specifically labelled to prevent crabgrass and take time to read the instructions about the rate of application and watering.
2. Mow Your Lawn at the Right Height
Cutting your lawn too low will make the grass weak and provide space to crabgrass.
Keep your mowing height around:
- Most cool-season grasses: 68 cm (2.5 inches) to 8 cm (3 inches).
- This assists in covering the soil and preventing the crabgrass seeds to receive the necessary light to develop.
- Longer grass promotes deeper root and healthier lawn in general.
3. Water Deeply and Infrequently
Rather than superficial watering every day, drench your lawn once or twice a week. This enhances good roots and renders the grass more competitive with weeds such as crabgrass.
Aim for:
- 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water each week (including rainfall).
- Water in the early morning hours to minimize the evaporation and disease.
4. Improve Soil Health with Aeration
Compacted soil is a breeding ground for crabgrass. Annual aeration of your lawn once a year (best to do it in the fall) will loosen the soil, provide better air circulation and promote denser growth of grass.
Core aeration is the best in most regions of Canada. You may rent an aerator or you can employ a local lawn care specialist.
5. Use Post-Emergent Herbicide for Existing Crabgrass
In case crabgrass is already apparent, apply a post-emergent crabgrass herbicide. Use it at an early summer when the weeds are tender and can be killed easily.
You should identify the products that are safe to use on your kind of grass and read labels. Avoid applying on windy days or during extreme heat.
Warning: Improper use of herbicides will destroy the desirable grass. Spot treat only the weedy patches when possible.
6. Overseed Thin or Bare Areas
Crabgrass loves bare spots. Fall overseeding will thicken your lawn and fill any bare spots where crabgrass can grow.
A good quality blend of seed that is appropriate to your local climate, e.g. Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, which are good in most areas of Canada.
Before overseeding:
- Rake away debris
- Mow your lawn short
- Apply a starter fertilizer
- Water regularly until the new grass is established
7. Fertilize Properly and Regularly
A healthy lawn is your best defence against crabgrass. Fertilize your grass with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer 2-4 times a year.
Consider this schedule:
- Early spring (April–May)
- Early summer (June)
- Late summer (August)
- Late fall (October) – use a winterizing fertilizer
Do not over fertilize during summer because this might tend to stimulate crabgrass.
Bonus Tips for Lawns
- Trim your lawn edges- crabgrass usually begins in driveways or sidewalks.
- Cover garden beds and paths with mulch to inhibit the spreading of weeds.
- Maintain sharp mower blades so that your grass can be cut cleanly and be healthier.
- You may want to use natural crabgrass remedies in case you want to use organic lawn care.
Crabgrass can be tenacious, yet using the correct approach, you can prevent it in your lawn. A combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments with proper lawn care habits will have your grass thick and strong- crowding out the weeds before they can get established.
Begin early, be regular, and have a green, beautiful lawn all the summer And For More Information, please visit www.3seasons.ca