Crabgrass Problem?

When does crabgrass become active?

The arrival of springtime means dazzling displays of seasonal color annual flowers, blossoming bulbs, and green grass. Unfortunately, with this abundance 0f Mother Nature’s beauty comes sprouting weeds as well. Crabgrass is one such weed that continually frustrates homeowners year after year. Crabgrass is an annual weed whose seeds germinate during spring and summer. Crabgrass germination occurs when soil temps reach 55°- 65°F at a 3″ depth for 5 consecutive days. Un-germinated seeds can endure in the soil for up to thirty years before germination and sprouting occurs. Given the fact a single crabgrass plant can produce 150,000 seeds during the growing season, it’s easy to see why controlling it is difficult.

While crabgrass can resemble your grass at first glance, it does look very different upon further inspection:

• Newly sprouted crabgrass can appear a light green (lighter than your turf) but may eventually turn a dark, dull green as it continues to grow.

• The leaves of crabgrass are broader than grass blades.

• Crabgrass grows in “clumps” low to the ground. The stems of the grass grow laterally, or outward instead of upwards (like grass), and resemble the legs of a crab extending outward from the middle of the plant, hence the name of this weed.

• Crabgrass favors sandy, compacted soil where the grass is in a weakened, thinned condition. Bare, thin lawns allow sunlight to directly hit the soil, which is an ideal condition for crabgrass germination. In addition, weeds like crabgrass thrive when your lawn has excess water and phosphorus levels.

To control crabgrass apply a pre-emergent fertilizer before the germination period to organically control its growth and spread. Crabgrass preventer products use what are known as “pre-emergent” herbicides, which target germinating seeds before new shoots can emerge from soil.

Pre-emergents work by inhibiting seed germination and root development so that seeds can’t become established plants. Highly effective preventers such as Jonathan Green’s Crabgrass Preventer plus Green-Up Lawn Fertilizer control crabgrass and other germinating broadleaf weeds. Because crabgrass preventers only work before crabgrass seedlings emerge through the soil, timing applications right is critical to success. Preventers must be applied before crabgrass seed germinates. Crabgrass seeds can germinate from early spring until late summer when soil temperatures are right.

Click the button to find the current soil temperature of your location

When to Apply:

• Apply in the spring prior to germination of crabgrass and other grassy weeds.

• Best time to apply is from late February through mid-May depending on region.

• Spread this product a day or two after mowing and when the lawn is dry.

• Do not apply when seeding or under newly laid sod.

How To Apply:

• Use a rotary or drop lawn spreader.

• Check that the spreader opening at the bottom of the hopper is set for the proper setting

• Push the lever forward only when ready to spread.

• Apply fertilizer around the perimeter of the lawn to establish a turning area. Then run the spreader back and forth within the area outlined by your first perimeter application. Always allow an overlap to avoid gaps in coverage.

Post-Application:

• Sweep any excess granules off of hard surfaces and back onto the lawn.

• Thoroughly irrigate the treated area after application for best results. About 1 ½ inches of water per week is sufficient between rainfall and irrigation, but not to the point of run-off.

• Once watered, wait a day to mow the lawn allowing the product time to activate.

A soft, green lawn is a wonderful thing, and it doesn’t have to be out of reach. Specially formulated for lawn repair and sod lawns!