Crabgrass can become a lawn owner’s nightmare if it is not identified early and addressed. It has star-shaped leaves that are thick and broad. Crabgrass has a shallow root system, and it grows in clumps in a circular formation. It thrives well and grows fast in hot and drought-like conditions and in areas that are highly compacted or poorly drained. Crabgrass is one of the first weeds that begins to appear in summer.
Ways in which crabgrass spread
Crabgrass germinates during spring and summer and continues to grow through summer. It spreads really fast. When the grass dies in winter, it drops its seeds, which remain inactive in winter and begin to regrow in summer.
Signs of crabgrass growth
When wide light green blades with round red-purple stems begin to grow, it is a sign that crabgrass is growing. It starts growing tall and appears above the lawn grass. Since it grows in thick clumps, it can look matted and clumsy, spoiling the appearance of a neatly mowed lawn. Crabgrass affects the look of the lawn because of its broad and thick leaves.
Conditions that promote crabgrass growth
Crabgrass typically grows in areas that are weak or in any bare spots that receive good sunlight. It also grows in areas that have salty soil. Moreover, if the lawn grass has been mowed too short, crabgrass gets exposed to sunlight and starts growing. Daily watering also causes the inactive seeds to sprout, leading to crabgrass growth. It also grows in highly compacted soil and grounds with poor drainage. Plus, if a lawn patch has been affected by pests, and there is a bald patch, crabgrass can start growing there.
Ways to get rid of crabgrass
1. Start early
Start removing crabgrass in spring when it begins to appear. Do not wait until summer for the crabgrass to show so that the removal process can start. Delays can only make the process more difficult and expensive.
2. Use pre-emergent herbicides
Apply pre-emergent herbicides that deter seeds from germinating. One can get liquid or solid sprays and use them as per instructions. Always ensure that the herbicides are not harmful to the grass type in the lawn.
3. Pull them out
The best way to stop crabgrass growth early is to pull them out by hand or use a garden weeder when they are just a few and are spaced far apart. Wear gloves, shake them lightly, and pull them out. Always ensure that the entire clump with the root is removed.
4. Use post-emergent herbicides for bigger infestation
If someone is wondering how to get rid of crabgrass in late summer when the infestation is severe, they should apply post-emergent herbicides. Get good-quality products and use them as per the package instructions. This is also the best way to kill crabgrass plants instantly if the lawn area is too large for one to pull them out manually.
5. Aerate the soil
Aerating the soil yearly allows more oxygen and sunlight to reach the roots of the lawn grass. Aeration is essential for the thick growth of lawn grass. When the grass becomes dense, it inhibits the growth of crabgrass and other weeds.
6. Mow well
Mowing regularly helps the lawn turf to become thicker and grow straight. It also keeps the crabgrass short so that it can be removed before it develops fully. But do not mow the lawn too low; set a height of 2 to 3 inches while mowing the lawn. The tall grass will prevent sunlight from reaching the crabgrass and stop it from growing and spreading.
7. Fertilize at the right time
Prepare a fertilization schedule for the lawn grass based on the grass type and seasons. Applying fertilizer regularly ensures that the lawn grass becomes thick, which automatically prevents the growth of any weeds, including crabgrass. It is also important to apply fertilizers that do not contain phosphorus, as they encourage crabgrass growth.
8. Follow good watering practices
Deep watering two times a week is recommended for preventing or slowing down crabgrass growth. When watering daily, the roots will remain at the top, making them shallow and weak, allowing space for crabgrass to grow. Instead, when watering the area only two times a week, the roots search for water to grow deeper into the soil. As this happens, the lawn grass becomes thicker and prevents crabgrass from growing and surviving.
9. Reseed brown patches
When crabgrass grows too much, it overpowers the lawn grass. During fall, it dries out, and brown patches remain in all the spots where the crabgrass thrives. Reseeding the lawn to promote regrowth of the lawn grass before the weed reappears is another way of preventing crabgrass infestation.
10. Mulching
Applying a 3-inch layer of mulch can prevent the growth and spread of crabgrass in late summer. One may have to do this multiple times to achieve the best results. Homeowners who do not want to use herbicides can try this alternative.
11. Solarize the individual crabgrass clump
Solarizing is possible for small lawns with fewer crabgrass clumps. Put a plastic sheet over each clump and place something heavy on it to prevent the sheet from flying away. The plastic cover prevents sunlight from getting in and encouraging plant growth. This step also helps trap the sun’s heat and kill the crabgrass underneath the sheet. The homeowner can remove the debris while mowing.
12. Use vinegar spray
This is one of the easy-to-use homemade crabgrass killers. When there are fewer crabgrass clumps, spray white or apple cider vinegar directly on the crabgrass clumps to eliminate them.