Midwest
Crabgrass
Solution
Kill Visible Crabgrass
Crabgrass gets its name because it sprawls from a central root low across the ground. It can become a problem quickly because it is able to grow vigorously in hot, dry conditions. Before dying in the fall, a single weed can distribute thousands of seeds which will be ready to germinate in spring. Crabgrass is a problem, but you can take care of these weeds in your lawn easily with our plan.
Prevention and Maintenance
Set Mowing Height to High
Higher mowing encourages lawn grasses to shade and prevent the germination of crabgrass seeds. A deep, thick lawn seldom contains much crabgrass. You can discourage crabgrass by mowing at the proper height for your grass type.
Deep Water Your Lawn
Weeds are better adapted to adverse growing conditions than most lawn grasses. Shallow and infrequent watering will only weaken the roots of your grass, while allowing the crabgrass to thrive and take over. Water lawns deeply and less frequently. When you water, wet the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. This usually requires the equivalent of ½-1 inch of rainfall.
Prevent Crabgrass Seeds from Taking Root
Apply a lawn food that contains a pre-emergent, such as Scotts® Turf Builder® with Halts® Crabgrass Preventer in early spring (before temperatures reach 65°F). It will feed your grass while providing a barrier that prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating. Use our Annual Program Builder™ to create a complete lawn feeding schedule.
What To Do If Crabgrass Has Taken Root
If in spite of all your efforts crabgrass shows up in your lawn, fight back. Apply Ortho® Weed-B-Gon MAX® Plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate. Mature crabgrass may require a second treatment 2 weeks later. Also, be careful with newly seeded lawns. Don't apply until you've cut your new grass at least 3 times.
Crabgrass Defined:
Crabgrass gets its name because it sprawls from a central root low across the ground. It can become a problem quickly because it is able to grow vigorously in hot, dry conditions. Before dying in the fall, a single weed can distribute thousands of seeds which will be ready to germinate in spring. Crabgrass is a problem, but you can rid your lawn of the weeds easily with our plan.
