Fighting Crabgrass In Your Yard Year Round
Are you tired of nasty crabgrass taking over your lawn and leaving it looking second rate
? You can fight this nasty epidemic before it becomes too late, if you understand the difference between myths, and how to really treat it.
The first myth is that once this plant has germinated it's a waste of time and money to continue to treat it. Crabgrass starts to germinate in hot spots but not all plants germinate at the same time.
There are also other annual grassy weeds like Foxtail and Goosegrass which germinate later. A late application is better than none and will still prevent 80-90% of the infestation.
The next myth is that once Crabgrass has germinated there's no economical way to control it. It's true, post-emergent sprays can be expensive and tricky to use.
But did you know that that there are fertilizers and preventers that can kill Crabgrass even after it has germinated up to the 3-4 leaf stage? Next, the idea that if you haven't applied your weed control product by April it is too late, is totally false.
Every region has that magical date based on a typical spring. There is rarely a typical spring!
Crabgrass starts to germinate when soil temperatures hit about 55 degrees for 24-48 hours. You don't get soil temperature by looking at a calendar.
Forsythia is a decent phonological indicator that the season is over. Under normal circumstances it can approximate the time of Crabgrass germination.
However, other factors influence Forsythia; length of daylight, air temperatures, exposure, and so on. Remember soil temperature is the key.
An inexpensive soil thermometer is worth more than an acre of Forsythia when it comes to predicting germination. Though you may have been told this, you don't need to call a lawn service to get rid of your dandelions.
You can continue granular applications without the expense of a lawn service. There are fertilizers that can effectively controls most common turf weeds, and will kill small crabgrass plants.
It is not true that there's no way you can plant and get pre-emergent control in those areas. New turf strands are the most vulnerable to weed infestation so giving up on them is asking for trouble.
A preventer (active ingredient is Tupersan) can be used to prevent Crabgrass when seeding cool season varieties like Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Fescues, and certain Bents. Even if you did not treat that new seeding with Tupersan, get back and apply preventer after 2-3 mowings.
You will control a large portion of the Crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds that germinate later in the season. If you are seeding with a mix that contains Bluegrass and Ryegrass don't assume that all the Bluegrass has germinated after you have cut 2-3 times.
Remember it takes a average of 21 days for Bluegrass to germinate versus only 7 days for Ryegrass. One of the worst weeds for new lawns is crabgrass, which can take over if not kept in check, especially on freshly seeded soil.
The best way to fight this nasty weed is to prevent the weeds from germinating. However, with competitive lawn products most consumers are forced to make a choice between seeding and preventing crabgrass in the spring.
Now consumers can seed and prevent crabgrass thanks to the products out there on the market. Prompted by the needs of professional golf course managers, specific preventers allow grass seed to germinate while preventing the germination of crabgrass seeds.
These products can be used when sowing a new lawn or when over seeding an existing one. The slow-release fertilizer is specially formulated to feed newly sprouted plants for six weeks while encouraging root development.
The crabgrass preventer also works for four to six weeks without slowing or impeding the germination of grass seed. A second application of preventer is recommended at the six week mark because crabgrass and grass seeds will still be germinating.
Always read and follow the label directions. If you are careful and use the right products, you can prevent anything from taking over your beautiful yard-after all, your place of serenity doesn't need to be polluted by annoying, unwanted seeds!
Your home is your haven. Treat it as such.
by: Tom Selwick
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