As a common weed, crabgrass may be a significant source of frustration for homeowners. It is a perennial weed that has the potential to take over your grassy areas very fast. What’s more, crabgrass is a particularly harmful weed because of its ability to outcompete desirable grasses for nutrients. Here, you’ll find information on recognizing crabgrass and eliminating it so that your lawn can thrive yearly.
What Exactly Is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is a noxious weed that spreads through its seeds. Crabgrass may readily and swiftly spread if not contained, as each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds. This plant prefers warm, dry weather and typically makes an appearance when summer temperatures increase. Crabgrass is, in a nutshell, an enemy of a lush lawn. It’s a type of annual grassy weed that, if not controlled, can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. In fact, during a single growing season, a single crabgrass plant can yield as many as 75,000 seeds. These seeds will wait dormant in your soil until the conditions are just right for germination, at which point they will sprout and grow. With enough time and space, this weed can eventually suffocate even the healthiest turf. Crabgrass can destroy a healthy lawn if allowed to spread.
How Does Crabgrass Appear?
You can identify crabgrass in a few different ways if you are unsure. The first thing you should do is survey the lawn’s overall condition. For example, crabgrass may be present in discolored grass areas. The presence of weeds is another indicator. Crabgrass is an annual grass with hairy, pale green leaves. Longer than most other grass species in your yard, the stems are another distinguishing feature.
Lawn Maintenance and Preventative Measures to Avoid Crabgrass
Lawns kept at the appropriate height are less likely to be invaded by crabgrass. This involves mowing the grass at the height of two to three inches for most grass species. The taller the grass, the less sunlight the weed seeds receive, effectively eliminating their possibility of germination. Consider hiring a professional lawn care service if you need help mowing your lawn. Avoiding its establishment is the most effective method for eliminating crabgrass. One strategy for accomplishing this is to treat your grass with a pre-emergent herbicide and fertilizer in the early spring. When applied at the proper time of year, the suitable herbicide can prevent crabgrass seeds from ever reaching the point of germination, helping your lawn look great all season long. Fertilizer is a crucial component in maintaining a lush, green lawn.
Trust Done Right Landscaping to Fix Your Crabgrass Problems
Don’t let crabgrass take over your yard — keep your lawn healthy and thriving with expert help from Done Right Landscaping. Contact us today at (781) 246-1211 to schedule your lawn care service and let our team handle the hard work for you!