Crabgrass is a problem many of us have to deal with but there are some simple tips to help control the germination and spread of crabgrass in your lawn. First we have to understand the growing cycle of crabgrass. Crabgrass is an annual grass that germinates, matures and develops seed and dies in one season. In our area crabgrass typically germinates around Memorial Day, warm soil temperatures will cause this to start earlier. Crabgrass is best controlled by applying pre-emergent chemicals in mid to late April, once soil temperatures begin to maintain 50 degrees. Most pre-emergent chemicals control germination for 8-16 weeks depending on moisture and heat. If it is very rainy, or very hot, the chemical barrier will breakdown earlier and you may have breakthrough germination. Usually these breakouts will occur near pavement or in thin areas in your turf. When this occurs there are some herbicides that can be used to kill the plant, however since it is a grass you can also damage your good turf grasses.
Maintaining a thick healthy lawn and a mowing height of 2.5” to 3” helps reduce the ability of crabgrass to germinate and costs you nothing. At A & D Services, we use an early pre-emergent application with your 1st fertilizer application and then approximately 4-6 weeks later we use a follow-up application to help extend the season. Getting crabgrass under control takes more than just a chemical application and the goal is to prevent seeds from spreading by reducing the plants that go to seed, reducing the bare areas in the lawn so the seeds do not get into the soil and receive nutrients to begin growing.
Broadleaf Weeds:
Broadleaf weeds include Dandelion, Clover, Creeping Charlie, Thistle. These, and most broadleaf weeds found in your lawn, are best controlled with post emergent treatments in the early fall or spring. We target these weeds accordingly with broadcast treatments as needed and then supplemented by spot treatments. The best natural defense is a thick and lush lawn which prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing. Once we have your broadleaf weeds under control it is very easy to maintain. For more information on weed identification and control you can visit the University of Minnesota Extension Site www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/weeds/#broadleaf, or call us.