Crabgrass was originally brought to North America as a food source by Eurasian immigrants. It might have seemed like a good idea then, but now, a few centuries later, this plant has become one of the continent’s most common invasive weed species!
It grows low to the ground with stems that spread out from the center, resembling crab legs. Seeds begin to sprout in mid-spring as soon as the soil temperature reaches around 55 °F, and crabgrass can quickly become a problem during the summer because it can grow rapidly in hot, dry conditions.
The good news is that you can stop crabgrass in its tracks before it takes over your lawn by taking proactive measures!
Raise Your Mower Deck
Crabgrass grows best in direct sunlight. By allowing your grass to grow taller and shade the soil beneath, you can rob crabgrass of the light it needs to thrive. Bump your mower deck up about a half inch or so to give your grass an advantage over invasive weeds.
Choose Grass Species Carefully
Do a little research before you seed and choose grass species that are appropriate for your climate. Grasses that are well-adapted to the conditions in your region will grow stronger and have an easier time competing with invasive species like crabgrass.
Deep Water Your Lawn
Rather than watering your lawn a little bit every day, try watering deeply and infrequently instead. Watering every day can be detrimental to your grass’s root systems. Crabgrass, on the other hand, will spread quickly in conditions that are unfavorable for your grass. By watering deeply once or twice a week instead, you can improve the health of your grass and make it more difficult for crabgrass to survive.
Apply an Herbicide
If crabgrass has been a recurring problem in your lawn, consider applying a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring. This can stop crabgrass seeds from germinating before they have time to take hold in the summer.
With the spring season in full force, now is the perfect time to take the preventative measures necessary for that pesky crabgrass!
At VistaPro Landscape & Design, we offer pre-emergent crabgrass and weed control services so you can ensure your lawn is free of harmful invasive species. A clean and pristine-looking lawn is a great way to boost your curb appeal, along with investing in custom patios, unique wood workings, and breathtaking water features!
Contact us at (301)805-0119 or fill out our contact form online for a free consultation and explore how we can enhance your landscape with our various grounds management and design services.