How To Get Rid Of Crabgrass

Crabgrass is an unattractive, clumpy weed that will quickly take over your lawn. Its unsightly appearance is not the only reason to remove it – it’s bad for your lawn’s health. Crabgrass will take over your turf, preventing your lawn from receiving nutrients it needs to in order to grow healthy grass. This guide will teach you how to get rid of crabgrass and prevent it from returning to your lawn.

Crabgrass is an annual weed that will grow in the thin and bare spots in your lawn. As it dies in the fall, one plant will produce thousands of seeds that can germinate the following spring. Crabgrass thrives in hot, dry conditions. It grows low to the ground with stems that radiate out from the center of the grass clump, resembling crab legs.

Here are a few effective ways to get rid of crabgrass. Crabgrass will die on its own in the fall, usually after first frost. However, if you don't remove it before it disperses its seeds, you will have to deal with the pesky weed again the following year. The best way to get rid of crabgrass is to remove the weedy clumps as you see them.

Pull the clumps out, roots and all. Use a garden weeder tool made to remove the roots of crabgrass. Typically, these tools feature a claw or plunger you can drive deep into the ground, under the roots, to remove the plant. This process is time consuming, but effective in controlling crabgrass. Place the clumps in a trash bag and seal tight. This will contain any crabgrass seeds that may still sprout and spread.

Use a post-emergent herbicide labeled for crabgrass. If you already have a crabgrass infestation, then a chemical treatment may be necessary to tackle the problem. All lawn weed herbicides are not made the same. Some will kill your regular grass and other common weeds. Make sure you read the label. Herbicides made to target crabgrass will be in a liquid form. It is meant for spot treatment and not for a broadcast application. Follow the directions on the label of the product for proper safety protocol or contact us today for additional questions.