The best weapon you have against this annual weed is crabgrass preemergence herbicide (also called crabgrass preventer). You apply this product in the spring before the crabgrass seed sprouts. This granular herbicide works by creating a chemical barrier at the surface of the soil. As the seeds begin germination, they take in the herbicide and die.
Steps To Getting Rid Of Crab Grass
Once this troublesome weed has gotten started in your yard, there are several things you can do to get control over it. The step or stage that is best for starting will depend on the season in which you begin.
- Keep crabgrass seeds from spreading.
- Kill existing crabgrass.
- Remove dead crabgrass plants.
- Replant bare lawn spots with new grass seed.
- Apply a crabgrass preventer at the appropriate times.
- Set your lawnmower at the high end of the range that is best for your grass type.
- Restrict excess fertilizing or too-frequent watering.
- Keep your lawn healthy as the most conducive way to get rid of crabgrass.
The explanation for each of these steps follows below.
1. Crabgrass Control Through Seed Control
During the warm months, getting rid of crab grass problems in the future should be your goal. Try to prevent the formation and spread of crabgrass seeds.Before mowing, use a lawn rake to disturb the crabgrass from its prostrate position.
Like running a comb through your hair the wrong way, use the rake to cause the seed branches to stand up above the grass.
This might be a tedious chore, but can eliminate 2 or 3 times as many seed heads as a regular mowing over hidden stalks.
After raking, mow the lawn as soon as possible. Be sure to use a grass catcher. Normally, a mulching mower that returns clippings to the soil is a good idea. That won’t help when your goal is getting rid of crab grass seeds.
Can you put these clippings, with seeds, into a compost pile? Only if you actively work the pile, turning it regularly to generate enough heat to kill the seeds. If you add to your garden beds any compost with the seeds not killed, guess what? Crabgrass seeds can remain alive for years in the soil, and germinate even at depths of 2” – 3”.
Your best bet at this time may be to recycle your clippings through the local yard waste collection. This is not a technique to pursue long term. Just utilize this practice at the beginning of your “crabgrass war”, until you have killed or removed the weeds.
2. How To Kill Crab Grass
The method of choice for getting rid of crab grass that is currently growing will depend on several factors.
Is it a lawn area, flower beds or vegetable garden?
How large is the affected area?
Is conserving time, energy or money most important?
What tools, equipment or products are available to you?
A complete analysis of these concerns will help you determine the best approach.
3. Remove Dead Crabgrass Plants
Getting rid of crab grass plants after they die is just as important as killing the weed. The dense mat that crabgrass forms can smother nearby grass plants. Removing the dead plant in a timely manner may allow your lawn grass to recover.
Crab grass is a type of plant that has an allelopathic effect. This means it releases a toxin that suppresses the growth of other plants. How long does this effect last after the crabgrass is dead? That is unclear, but the prudent action would be to eliminate any negative effect on your desired plants.
4. Replant Bare Lawn Spots
When soil is exposed in your lawn area, all types of weed seeds are likely to germinate and take hold. Plan to reseed these open areas in your lawn as soon as possible to eliminate opportunity for more trouble next season.
Early in the fall season is a great time to start new grass. It should have plenty of time to get established before winter. The spring season is NOT a good time to reseed grass IF you plan to use a preemergent as a crabgrass preventer.
Cover non-lawn areas with a thick layer of mulch to reduce the likelihood of weeds growing. At least one inch thick will help, but two inches is better. Any weeds that still sprout through this will be very easy to eliminate by pulling or spraying.
5. Crabgrass Prevention
You’ve embarked on the lengthy journey of getting rid of crab grass. The most important part of your success comes with preventing the next infestation.
The easiest way to do this is by using a preemergent. This is simply a product that will inhibit the crabgrass seedling as it starts to grow. Both chemical and natural products are available.
Timing is always important with pre-emergents, but crabgrass is a bit different from most common weeds. The generic advice you may hear may need to be tailored to fit your situation.
6, 7, 8. Best Lawn Maintenance Practices
A healthy lawn growing on healthy soil does an exceptional job of resisting a crabgrass infestation. The time, effort and expense of getting rid of crab grass could instead be put into building a resistant lawn environment.
When cutting your lawn, don’t mow too low! Taller grass will shade the soil and make it less hospitable for many weed seeds to develop. Most grasses do well at a mowing height of 2” to 3”, and some varieties even higher.
Crabgrass responds favorably to nitrogen applications. Meaning, if you are growing for cattle forage, throw the fertilizer on. But restrict fertilizer applications on the typical home lawn when your goal is getting rid of crab grass.
Abundant moisture makes a prime germination setting for weeds. Avoid daily watering of lawns that keeps the soil constantly moist on top. Deep irrigation done less frequently will promote deeper roots, healthier grass, and fewer weeds.
Do you currently employ a lawn service company? Ask if they rinse/blow off their mower at previous job sites. You don’t want them bringing weed seeds from a problem lawn. (Make them answer the question, not sidestep it by saying, “Oh, none of our customers have crabgrass!” To that you may respond, “Oh, and what about their neighbors?”)
If you are considering bringing on some professional help, for a project like this or regular maintenance, get more tips like this and be completely informed. You deserve to get the full value from your expenditure.