Posted on May 15th, 2015
If crabgrass isn’t one of the most frustrating and bothersome garden weeds, then we don’ t know what is! But what makes crabgrass so problematic? Since it grows straight through spring and summer into fall, it’s often hard to stop a crabgrass patch from spreading once it has started. Though crabgrass will inevitably die when the weather cools down, it leaves behind the promise of a vengeful return next year.
According to an article from Garden Counselor Lawn Care, crabgrass “can produce over 150,000 seeds per plant,” which will not sprout until the following season. That’s why it might seem like crabgrass is popping up almost overnight. Since the growing process begins so far in advance, controlling and eliminating crabgrass is an on-going process, rather than a simple solution.
Here are a few tips and tricks we’ve compiled to help you say good riddance to crabgrass once and for all!
Disrupt the germination process. Although you can kill the crabgrass that has already sprouted, remember that it’s the seedlings preparing to terrorize you next year that are the real issue. One way to prevent the spread of seeds is by disrupting the natural growth patterns of a crabgrass patch. Take a lawn rake and drag it over the unwelcome patch prior to mowing. This will disturb the plant and allow for a closer mow, eliminating up to three times as many seed heads.
Kill and remove the current weeds. You’ll want to get rid of the crabgrass that has already taken over your lawn. The easiest way to do so is with a chemical spray, but be mindful of your lawn’s tolerance when choosing the correct product. As they say, “it will kill some of the grass all of the time, but all of the grass some of the time,” so make sure to read those labels! Once you’ve successfully chosen a spray and applied treatment, remember to remove the dead plants. Keeping your lawn free of debris will help it in the recovery process.
Discourage future weed growth. The top two tips to prevent crabgrass involve mowing and watering your lawn. When mowing, remember that shorter does not mean better! Keeping your grass tall helps shade the soil from the sun and prevent weed seed germination. In addition to a proper trim, be sure to water your lawns deeply to strengthen the roots of your grass, allowing them to overpower pesky weed growth.
At Turf Unlimited we value the beauty of a lush, green lawn! Locally owned and operated since 1996, we are committed to providing the best available products and service in the industry to clients in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas. Give us a call at 888-649-9919 today, or click here to request a free estimate and find out how we can help you rid your lawn of crabgrass and have it full and flourishing for seasons to come!
