Crabgrass is considered a weed in most lawns. Preventing crabgrass from establishing is the best defense against its spread. Once crabgrass takes hold, it grows aggressively, choking out healthy grass and leaving unsightly bare patches. The key to controlling crabgrass is stopping it before it starts—through preventative treatments.
Why is crabgrass a problem?
In Minnesota and Wisconsin, crabgrass is an annual weed, meaning it dies off each fall and regrows from seed in the spring. This creates two major issues:
- Thin or bare lawns in Spring and Fall – Crabgrass doesn’t germinate until June, leaving your lawn thin or bare in the early spring. By September, it dies off, leaving bare spots again. With the lack of cover for much of the year, this makes your lawn susceptible to all kinds of weeds.
- Aggressive summer growth – During July and August, crabgrass grows rapidly and takes over the lawn grasses.
How do preventative treatments work?
Because of crabgrass’s unique annual growth pattern, there are materials – called pre-emergent herbicides – that can be applied to kill the crabgrass as soon as it germinates. These treatments create a barrier in the soil that prevents crabgrass from establishing in your lawn.
When should preventative treatments for crabgrass be applied?
Crabgrass prevention is most effective when applied in April and May, before the seeds begin to germinated. Timing is critical – once crabgrass has sprouted, pre-emergents are less effective. At bioLawn we adjust rates and products throughout these months to ensure effective crabgrass control.
Is it too late for preventing crabgrass?
Many people worry they’ve missed their chance to apply crabgrass preventer as it gets later in the spring. Fortunately, the ideal window for preventative application is wider than most realize. With the correct products and rates, control can be effective throughout the spring.
Do you think you already have crabgrass?
We often receive calls in the spring from homeowners who believe crabgrass is taking over their lawns. However, crabgrass isn’t typically seen in Minnesota and Wisconsin until June. More ofthan than not, what most homeowners mistake for crabgrass is actually Quackgrass or Knotweed. Quackgrass is a perennial grassy weed that is near impossible to control. Knotweed is an annual broadleaf weed that looks a lot like crabgrass when it is young. Fortunately knotweed is fairly easy to control. If you have questions, contact our agronomist to help identify what might be growing in your lawn.
Get professional help for best results
While DIY options exist, professional lawn care services offer the best results. Choosing the correct product, the right rate, and applying it correctly are all important to getting control. A professional with the right training is best prepared to keep the crabgrass at bay.
Early spring is the best time to get control of crabgrass. Don’t wait – act now!