Most Michigan homeowners have dealt with crabgrass at some point during the summer months. It’s an ugly weed that pops up virtually everywhere and it’s an eyesore to otherwise healthy landscapes. Getting rid of crabgrass is all about timing. Here are a few steps you can take to help control the issue:

1. Make sure it’s crabgrass.

A lawncare professional can help identify crabgrass. It’s important to know exactly what type of weeds are overtaking your lawn. Typically, crabgrass hangs lower than normal grass to the point where a standard mower is unable to trim it during a regular lawn cutting. The crabgrass stalks sprawl horizontally and growth can get fairly long.

2. Break the cycle in early spring.

Pre-emergent herbicide should be applied in early spring before the crabgrass germinates and spreads to other parts of the yard. If the application timing is right, you will have prevented the weeds from taking over next year as well. It’s important to select a herbicide that is safe for kids, pets and adults.

3. Kill the weeds, not your grass.

If the crabgrass is still hanging around by late summer, a post-emergent herbicide should be applied. A fertilization technician can recommend which type of herbicide has the power to selectively kill only the crabgrass weeds and not your grass. It’s important to select herbicides that are meant to kill the plant itself- not your grass or other surrounding landscape plants.

Keep your neighbor in mind! If a nearby yard is taken over by crabgrass, there’s a chance the seeds could spread to your property. If this is the case, a fertilizer technician can implement techniques to help minimize the spread and appearance of weeds.

At D.A. Alexander & Company, we’d be happy to discuss a plan to help you achieve barefoot grass! Contact us at 734-427-0030 for more information.

Photo by Kevin Frank | Michigan State University Extension