Get Rid of Annoying Crab Grass

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Crab grass is the bane of lawn and garden enthusiasts everywhere, though it mainly thrives during hot and dry conditions. As an annual weed, it sprouts roots that crowd out the good grass in your lawn with it’s course textured leaves and shallow roots. Since crabgrass usually has a different color than grass, it stands out in an otherwise perfect lawn, making the lawn look uneven. Worst of all, the weeds can turn brown while the grass around it remains green, destroying the overall look of the landscape.

If unattended, crab grass will eventually flower with spiked seed heads from their center, producing many seeds that will germinate in the spring, giving your lawn even more grief. Weaker spots in your lawn, such as areas next to pavement or heavily used areas, are especially vulnerable to crabgrass. This is one enemy weed that is nearly impossible to get rid, but there are things you can do to keep it from completely taking over your lawn.

Hoeing and digging out the crab grass and leaving its roots exposed so they dry out and die are the most common plans of action. However, attentive care and simply maintaining a good thick lawn will also do the trick and keep crabgrass from taking hold. Your lawn should be fertilized and watered properly and you must be careful not to cut the grass too short because this will weaken your lawn base, giving crabgrass and other weeds free reign to attack.

Crabgrass, on its own, dies in the fall with the first frost, however, if it was allowed to seed, you must apply crab grass killer to your lawn in order to prevent the seeds from germinating in the spring.

Here are a few tips on controlling crab grass in your lawn.

As mentioned, it’s difficult for crabgrass to get a toehold in your lawn if the grass is thick and healthy. However, it’s important that you remove crabgrass as soon as you see it because one little sprig will very quickly turn into a large patch because it’s so fertile.

Without sunlight, crabgrass can’t take root. That’s why it’s important not to cut your lawn too short because this will allow the sunlight to reach sprigs of crabgrass that will quickly take advantage and spread quickly. It’s recommended that your lawn should be cut to a height of about two and one half to three inches. Mowing properly and the length of your grass are two major factors that will determine whether you will have a healthy lawn. And always keep your lawn mower blades sharp for a healthier cut.

Before removing crabgrass, always water the area heavily. This helps to loosen the soil and makes removal easier. Always make sure you get the entire root because the roots will grow wherever roots touch the soil. As soon as the crabgrass has been removed, mulch the soil because this will help prevent any left over roots from taking hold and causing problems in the future.

Chemicals should always remain as a last resort because there are no herbicides that will kill only crabgrass. The end result is that other plants will be vulnerable to whatever type of chemical treatment you apply to the crabgrass.

There are chemicals available that can be used before crab grass emerges, but the problem with these is it’s difficult to predict when they should be applied. If applied too early, the effects can fade and the weed will still appear. If applied too late, the crabgrass will have already taken hold. If you decide to go with chemicals, always make sure you use gloves as they will also protect your hands from calluses caused by pulling weeds and gardening.

There are certain types of grasses that are less susceptible to crabgrass and one of the best is Zoysia grass. This grass grows into a thick, heavy ground cover, so much so that it virtually chokes out weeds. Unfortunately, Zoysia grass is not a good grass for some climates, so you should check to see what is recommended for your climate zone.

The bottom line is, crabgrass is very hard to get rid of once it stakes out its territory. Getting rid of it requires patience and diligence because crabgrass can spring up seemingly out of nowhere. Therefore, you must be firm, mow with a sharp blade, feed your lawn a good fertilizer and reseed the bad parts of your lawn. Reseeding will help keep your lawn healthy and won’t allow weeds to take hold.

So keep a sharp eye on your lawn and get down to weed level if necessary so you can successfully battle against that most dreaded and annoying weed, crabgrass.

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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.

For comprehensive information on all aspects of lawn and garden care,

visit his website at Lawn and Garden Magic.com

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