As spring fast approaches and many insects will begin emerging so will weeds. Grassy weeds begin geminating when soil temperatures are above 55 degrees for over 3 days consecutively and the first annual weed to show itself off is the crabgrass weed.

Though, crabgrass may be difficult to identify in early spring, it will surely make itself known by late spring/early summer when things heat up.

When looking for any type of weed, it’s important to look in damaged lawn areas. These areas could be damaged from insects, foot traffic, or the sun. When grass is damaged, it becomes weak and vulnerable, making it easy for weeds to make their move and fill in the weak gaps of your lawn.

Crabgrass is a very persistent weed and oftentimes hard to get rid of. With each plant able to produce over 100,000 seeds it’s no wonder it takes over and is hard to get rid of. One upside to crabgrass is that it does die in the winter but, unfortunately, the seeds remain in the soil to germinate in the spring. So, just when you think it’s gone, there’s a new generation behind it.

This light green crab-looking grass has stems that spread out along the ground that resemble crab legs. It also has a stem with spiky leaves at the top coming up from the middle which is the seed head. These seeds can spread like an Arizona wildfire. They can be blown in off the wind, transferred from birds, pets, shoes, and lawn equipment.

Lawn care maintenance plays a key role in keeping crabgrass at bay.

  1. Applying a pre-emergent treatment in the spring and fall helps seeds from germinating and allowing your lawn to grow without the threat of weeds.
  2. Fertilizing helps keep the lawn healthy, giving it the nutrients, it needs to thrive.
  3. Herbicide treatments help kill the weeds that have already begun to sprout.
  4. Mowing at a setting of 3-3.5” helps keep the lawn full so weeds don’t have room to grow. Mowing too often or too short can weaken the grass allowing weeds to pop up.
  5. Water to your lawn is as important as water is to people. We need water to survive and so does your lawn. When watering your lawn, you want to make sure not to under or over water it. Under-watering only waters the weed roots. Over-watering can suffocate the grass roots causing the grass to weaken and allow insects and fungus to enter the soil not to mention the now weakened grass allows weeds to grow.
  6. Lawn insect treatments at the right time of year will help eliminate further damage. Insects such as grub worms, fall army worm, and webworms can all damage the roots of your grass creating more room for weeds to sprout.
  7. Re-seeding the weak, damaged, and bare spots of your lawn are important in rebuilding your lawn to the fullest. This allows new grass to fill in the gaps so weeds don’t.
  8. Hire a professional. Professionals can keep your lawn on a routine maintenance schedule while applying the treatments at the right time of year.

Professionals, like Safe Earth Pest Control, you can be reassured that your lawn will be well taken care of. We have lawn maintenance programs that fit all your lawn needs. Contact us today so your lawn isn’t crabby this year. 214-321-2847