Crabgrass can quickly turn a lush, green lawn into an eyesore. This annual weed sprouts as soon as temperatures warm up in spring, then spreads rapidly and steals nutrients from desirable grass. Fortunately, you can eliminate this pesky weed and prevent future infestations with the right approach. This guide will explore effective methods for getting rid of crabgrass—from natural solutions to chemical treatments—and reclaiming your lawn.
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Understanding Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an opportunistic annual weed that thrives in lawns across North America. The two most common species are large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum). Both varieties can wreak havoc on lawns, competing with desirable grasses for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Characteristics of Crabgrass
Large crabgrass has hairy leaves up to 3 inches long and branches 2–5 inches long. Smooth crabgrass can grow up to 6 inches tall and has pointed leaf blades and shorter branches. Both types can adapt to various conditions and produce up to 150,000 seeds per plant.
The Crabgrass Life Cycle
Crabgrass begins its life cycle as seeds that germinate in spring when soil temperatures reach 55–60°F. It grows vigorously throughout summer, producing seeds before dying off after the first frost in fall. This cycle leaves behind bare lawn patches, creating an ideal environment for new crabgrass to grow the following year.
Read More: Spring Lawn Care Guide
Natural Methods To Eliminate Crabgrass
There are several natural methods to combat crabgrass without resorting to chemicals. Natural weed-removal focuses on creating an environment where crabgrass struggles to thrive while promoting the health of desirable grass species.
Adjust Mowing Practices
Keeping grass slightly taller impedes crabgrass growth. Mowing less frequently and maintaining a grass height of about 3 inches creates shade that discourages crabgrass germination. This helps desirable grasses outcompete crabgrass for sunlight and nutrients.
Optimize Watering Techniques
Watering practices can make a big difference in crabgrass control. Opt for deep, infrequent irrigation instead of frequent, shallow watering. We recommend a depth of 4–6 inches. This strengthens desirable grasses’ root systems, making it harder for crabgrass to establish itself.
Manual Removal
Manually pulling crabgrass can be an effective solution for small infestations. This method works best in spring before the plants have grown too large. Remove the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth. Crabgrass may be easier to pull up after rain when the soil is softer.
Corn Gluten Meal Application
Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide that can prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting. Apply it in early spring before crabgrass germination. This method is effective but requires a high application rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet, which can get expensive.
Lawn Care Practices
Integrate regular overseeding and aeration into your routine. Increasing desirable grass and maintaining soil health naturally diminishes crabgrass’s foothold in your yard.
Chemical Solutions for Crabgrass Control
If natural solutions aren’t enough, chemical herbicides provide more robust crabgrass control. Chemicals come in pre- and post-emergent formulations, each designed to target crabgrass at different stages of its life cycle.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that prevents crabgrass seeds from sprouting. Apply pre-emergent chemicals in early spring, ideally after the second mowing of the year when soil temperatures reach about 52°F. Timing is key, as the effective window lasts only about a week and a half.
Post-Emergent Herbicides
Post-emergent herbicides help eliminate established crabgrass. Apply these products on a hot, low-wind day for maximum effectiveness. You may need multiple applications for more mature crabgrass.
Choosing the Right Herbicide
It’s important to select the appropriate herbicide. Check the active ingredients and consult local lawn care experts to identify the best option for your lawn. Consider factors such as grass type, regional climate, and the extent of your crabgrass problem.
Preventing Crabgrass Infestations
Here are a few strategic lawn care practices to create an inhospitable environment for this persistent weed:
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
A thick, vigorous lawn is the best defense against crabgrass. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization help desirable grasses outcompete crabgrass and other weeds. Overseed thin or bare areas in the fall to fill in gaps where crabgrass might otherwise take hold.
Time Pre-Emergent Applications Carefully
Apply pre-emergent herbicides at the right time for effective crabgrass prevention. We recommend applying these products when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F in spring.
Address Soil Compaction
Crabgrass thrives in compacted soil where desirable grasses struggle. Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil structure, water penetration, and root growth of turf grasses. This creates conditions that favor desirable grasses over crabgrass.
Tailor Fertilization Schedules
Customize your fertilization schedule to help fight against crabgrass. Focus on providing your lawn with nutrients to promote dense grass coverage. Proper timing and balanced nutrient delivery prevent crabgrass from gaining a competitive edge.
Professional Lawn Care Services
Professional lawn care services can provide comprehensive crabgrass solutions. These services often offer tailored treatment plans that combine preventive measures with targeted treatments throughout the growing season.
Benefits of Professional Services
Professional lawn care companies have access to commercial-grade products and equipment that may not be available to homeowners. They also have the expertise to identify and address crabgrass issues early, often as part of a broader lawn health program.
Choosing a Lawn Care Service
Look for a lawn care company with a proven track record in crabgrass control. Ask about its approach to weed management, including the types of products it uses and its overall lawn care philosophy. Ask if they offer a satisfaction guarantee and are willing to adjust their treatment plan as needed.
