Crabgrass is an unsightly or unwanted plant which commonly invades turf grass
areas. This weedy grass becomes evident during the midsummer months as it forms
light green patches in the lawn.
Crabgrass becomes an established weed
by tolerating the conditions which allow it to be more competitive than
the desirable turf grasses. Crabgrass is an annual plant which begins
its life cycle by seed germination. Germination occurs throughout the
season when soil temperatures remain above 55 degrees F. However, the
problem crabgrass seedlings are those which develop in late spring. These
will especially thrive in lawns which are not vigorously growing or which
have been thinned by drought, disease or other stress factors. During
the midsummer months, the plant matures into a light green, coarse-textures
grass with finger-like seed heads that produce thousands of seeds. These
seeds are deposited in the soil as the plant ends its life cycle with
the first frost of fall. Crabgrass seeds remain viable in the soil for
several years, ready to germinate when the opportunity is provided. Seeds
may also be disseminated into a lawn from other crabgrass plants in adjacent
areas. Thus, crabgrass control requires a continuous program.
Control Practices:
Because crabgrass is a prolific seed producer, Pro Care's lawn program provides spring pre-emergence control to prevent crabgrass seedlings from developing and summer post-emergence control for any plants that may have escaped the barrier. Also, proper fertilization which is provided in our lawn program will enhance the vigor of your lawn, making it dense and resistant to crabgrass invasion. Before collecting lawn clippings, be sure to water in the pre-emergence application to flush the control to the soil. Otherwise, the pre-emergence control may be removed with the clippings. Maintain a 2-3" mowing height throughout the season to allow desirable lawn grasses to compete more successfully with crabgrass. Good watering practices, especially in hot compacted areas, next to sidewalks and driveways is essential to the health of the lawn. A dense turf will lessen opportunity for crabgrass invasion.
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call us if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.
Control Practices:
Because crabgrass is a prolific seed producer, Pro Care's lawn program provides spring pre-emergence control to prevent crabgrass seedlings from developing and summer post-emergence control for any plants that may have escaped the barrier. Also, proper fertilization which is provided in our lawn program will enhance the vigor of your lawn, making it dense and resistant to crabgrass invasion. Before collecting lawn clippings, be sure to water in the pre-emergence application to flush the control to the soil. Otherwise, the pre-emergence control may be removed with the clippings. Maintain a 2-3" mowing height throughout the season to allow desirable lawn grasses to compete more successfully with crabgrass. Good watering practices, especially in hot compacted areas, next to sidewalks and driveways is essential to the health of the lawn. A dense turf will lessen opportunity for crabgrass invasion.
The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call us if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.