Crabgrass (Digitaria Sanguinalis)
Crabgrass is an annual weed that grows from seeds produced the previous year. The most effective way to treat it is to prevent the seeds from germinating. That's why our first lawn care application is a granular fertilizer with a pre-emergent for control. This helps the lawn grow and prevents the grassy weeds like crabgrass, quack grass, and barnyard grass.
Interesting Facts About Crabgrass:
- Seeds are dormant for a short period of time after they shed from plants.
- When the soil temperature at the surface reaches 55°F for four or five consecutive days, it begins to germinate.
- Purplish seed heads form until frost kills the plants.
- Plants that emerge early in the season and have a long period of vegetative growth are much larger and more competitive than plants that germinate late in the season.
Generally April and May is the ideal time to apply pre-emergent fertilizers to prevent crabgrass. The active ingredient for pre-emergent weed control in fertilizer is prodiamine, and works best before the weeds have emerged. This weed can also be treated with a post-emergent weed control product. The most effective way to get rid of it is to promote thick turfgrass to cover the ground. Make sure to wait at least a few days after the application for it to be able to dry and take effect.
Get A Quote On Lawn Care Today
Spring Touch offers our customers a customized lawn care program. The program can use professional control methods, organic products, or a hybrid professional/organic approach. Note that the organic lawn care program does not provide weed control. The recommended treatment used for crabgrass is a selective preemergent and postemergent program. Expect results to take at least 3-4 treatments per year to achieve crabgrass control on your lawn. Spring Touch recommends our 6 step lawn care program to remove crabgrass and thicken up your existing turf lawn. For more information call 248-826-5296 or email to get a quote on your lawn care program today.
