Get Rid of Crab Grass
Crabgrass is the bane of many a zealot of a perfectly manicured lawn. This stubborn weed grows rapidly while destroying the attractiveness of a well-groomed lawn. Wailing, teeth-gnashing, and general hair-pulling are typical responses of many a harried homeowner. Of course, the rest of us (the sane ones) realize that it can be easily controlled.
Types of Crabgrass
There are two main species. The first is known as "Large." It grows tall and can reach 2-3 feet. It has long thin blades and is as obvious as a seven-foot basketball player on a subway. The other is known as "Smooth" or "Creeping" Grass. It has dull blunt leaves and aggressively grows horizontally rather than vertically. Both types grow in large clumps with finger-like branching.
Cut Your Grass High
Keep your grass cut at 3". Weeds need sunlight to thrive and a higher lawn of healthy turfgrass will prevent light from penetrating to the ground. The sun-starved weeds will die as if they find life difficult in the shade while your desirable turfgrass will thrive as it soaks up the glorious rays.
Water Deeply
A good watering technique is an important strategy for eliminating this noxious weed. Less frequent but more thorough watering is the way to go. Let the water soak in 4-6 inches each time you water so that your turf grass can develop a strong, deep root system. Crabgrass has shallow roots and infrequent watering allows the soil to dry out and deprive the crabgrass roots. Good for your turfgrass; bad for your crabgrass!
Overseed Your Lawn
The best way to prevent unwanted grass is by keeping your lawn full of healthy desirable grass. Look for spotty areas and overseed to promote a fuller thicker lawn. Overseeding is not an easy task because each spot needs to be properly prepared in order for the new seed to germinate. However, a long-term diligent strategy of overseeding will generally promote a healthy weed-free lawn over time.
Pre-emergent Crabgrass Herbicides
You can prevent crabgrass by applying a pre-emergent chemical, but you must do it at the right time. Apply the chemical too early and it will wash out of the soil. Apply it too late and it is of no use at all. Germination occurs when soil temperatures reach 55-60 degrees in the spring. Check with a local agriculture extension service to find out when that occurs in your area. A good rule of thumb is that the grass germinates when lilacs bloom so apply the herbicide to your lawn just before the lilacs burst out in all their springtime glory!
Pulling Unwanted Grass
Believe it or not, there is a proper technique for pulling unwanted grass. The key is to rip out the entire root system with one pull. The best time to pull grass is when the soil is wet, perhaps after a steady soaking rain. You will be amazed at how many fingers emanate from one plant. Gather them up in one hand and slowly yank, making sure to pull deeply. You may want to employ a weeding tool or pliers to get a firm grip. Pulling unwanted grass can be a serenely satisfying garden chore once you get the hang of it!
You Can Get Rid of Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an annoying weed that mars a perfect lawn and irritates the perfect lawn tender. Cutting your grass at a high level will hinder sunlight from reaching the shallow roots of crabgrass and will hinder growth. Good watering techniques will aid the growth of desirable turfgrass while inhibiting crabgrass, and overseeding your lawn with desirable seeds will crowd out unwanted crabgrass. There are a number of pre-emergent crabgrass herbicides available that will kill the weed only if it is applied at the correct time. If you decide to manually pull crabgrass make sure to remove the entire root system. Good luck in your crusade against crabgrass!
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