Crabgrass is one of the most common lawn weeds in the United States. It’s also one of the most difficult to control. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual grass that germinates in late spring and early summer. It grows rapidly and produces seeds (or ” crabgrass heads”) in late summer. The crabgrass heads remain on the plant through the winter and release their seeds in the spring, starting the cycle all over again.
While crabgrass is considered a weed, it does have some benefits. It’s a good source of food for birds and other wildlife, and it can help prevent soil erosion.
If you have crabgrass in your lawn, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of it. The good news is that there are several effective control methods. The bad news is that crabgrass is very difficult to control once it’s established.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to get rid of crabgrass in the summer. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each method so you can decide which one is right for you.
Identify the problem
The first step in controlling crabgrass is to identify the problem. Take a close look at your lawn. Are there patches of crabgrass? Are the patches getting larger?
If you need more time, there are a few ways to tell. Crabgrass leaves are narrower than grass leaves and have a distinctive V-shaped notch at the end. The stems of crabgrass plants are also much thinner than grass stems.
If you still need to decide, wait until late summer or early fall and look for the small, seed-containing crabgrass heads.
Why is crabgrass a problem?
One of the main reasons crabgrass is the problem is that it is very difficult to get rid of. It can quickly spread and take over your lawn, crowding out other grasses and plants.
Crabgrass is also very tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which means it can quickly turn a lush, green lawn into a patchy, brown mess.
In addition, crabgrass produces a lot of seeds. One plant is capable of producing 150 to 700 tillers and 150,000 seeds! These seeds remain on the plant through the winter and are released in the spring, starting the cycle all over again.
The life cycle of crabgrass
Like all plants, crabgrass has a life cycle. It begins as a seed, sprouts into a plant, produces flowers, and then dies. However, crabgrass has a few unique characteristics that set it apart from other plants. For one, crabgrass is an annual plant, meaning it only lives for one year. This is different from most other plants, which are perennials and can live for several years.
Additionally, crabgrass is a warm-season plant, meaning it grows best in warm weather. In contrast, cool-season plants grow best in cooler temperatures.
How does crabgrass spread?
There are several ways that crabgrass can spread. One way is by seeds. Crabgrass seeds are very small and light, which makes them easily transported by the wind. They can also be transported by animals, such as birds or rodents. Another way crabgrass can spread is by rhizomes. Rhizomes are horizontal stems that grow just below the soil surface. They can produce new shoots and roots, which allow crabgrass to spread rapidly.
How to get rid of crabgrass
The best time to control crabgrass is before it germinates in the spring. This is because crabgrass is very difficult to control once it’s established.
There are two main types of crabgrass control: pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides.
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to the lawn before crabgrass germinates. They work by creating a barrier that prevents the crabgrass seeds from germinating.
Post-emergent herbicides are applied to the lawn after crabgrass has germinated. They work by killing the crabgrass plants.
There are also several non-chemical control methods, such as hand-pulling, mowing, and mulching.
Pre-emergent herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides are the best way to control crabgrass. They work by creating a barrier that prevents the crabgrass seeds from germinating. There are several different types of pre-emergent herbicides available on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Scotts, Ortho, and Roundup.
The best time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide is in the spring before the crabgrass seeds have had a chance to germinate.
While pre-emergent herbicides are an effective way to control crabgrass, they are not 100% effective. Some crabgrass seeds will still be able to germinate and grow.
If you have a heavy infestation of crabgrass, you may need to use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to control it.
Post-emergent herbicides
Post-emergent herbicides are applied to the lawn after crabgrass has germinated. They work by killing the crabgrass plants. There are several different post-emergent herbicides available. Some of them contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. Others are more natural and are less likely to cause harm.
When choosing a post-emergent herbicide, it is important to consider the safety of the product. Some products are more harmful to the environment than others. If you are concerned about the safety of the product, you may want to choose a more natural product.
It is also important to consider the effectiveness of the product. Some products are more effective than others. If you are concerned about the effectiveness of the product, you may want to choose a more effective product.
Non-chemical control methods
There are several non-chemical control methods that can be used to control crabgrass.
Hand-Pulling
One of the most common and effective ways to control crabgrass is by hand-pulling it. This can be done by simply pulling the crabgrass up by its roots. However, this method is only effective if the crabgrass is pulled before it sets seed.
Mowing
Another non-chemical method of controlling crabgrass is by mowing it. This can be done with a regular lawn mower or a special crabgrass mower. Mowing will not kill the crabgrass, but it will prevent it from setting seed.
Cultural Control
Cultural control is a long-term, preventative measure that can be used to control crabgrass. This includes things like maintaining a healthy lawn, mulching, and using covers on your planting beds. By taking these steps, you can make your lawn less inviting to crabgrass.
Mulching is also an effective control method. Mulch helps to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating by blocking the sunlight.
Boiling Water
One of the most effective ways to control crabgrass is by boiling water and pouring it over the affected area. This will kill the crabgrass by scalding it.
While boiling water is an effective way to control crabgrass, it is also important to be careful. Make sure to pour the boiling water on the crabgrass and not on any other plants.
Which method is best for preventing crabgrass
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best method of preventing crabgrass will vary depending on the individual situation. If you have a small problem with crabgrass, you may be able to control it with hand-pulling and mowing.
If you have a large problem with crabgrass, you may need to use a pre-emergent herbicide in combination with cultural practices. The best way to determine which method is best for preventing crabgrass is to speak with a professional. They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.
Conclusion
There are several different methods that can be used to control crabgrass. The best method will vary depending on the individual situation. If you have a small problem with crabgrass, you may be able to control it with hand-pulling and mowing. If you have a large problem with crabgrass, you may need to use a pre-emergent herbicide in combination with cultural practices.