Crabgrass is one of the most prevalent and invasive weed species in turf in the Carmel, Westfield area. Once crabgrass gets a hold in a lawn or landscape, it can be difficult to eliminate entirely.
Crabgrass is an ‘indicator weed’, in that its presence is an indication of other turf problems. For example, crabgrass plants tend to fill in bare or sparse areas in lawns where the native grass plants have been reduced due to disease, pests, or drought pressure. Once they fill in spots, they tend to spread through a variety of propagation means. A once-healthy lawn can soon become filled with crabgrass and other weeds.
One of the best ways to defend against crabgrass invasion is to keep your turf healthy and full. GreenLawn by Design’s lawn specialists can help your lawn regain or maintain its health through a variety of programs. Ask GreenLawn by Design about some of our effective programs.
If your lawn has been prone to crabgrass in the past, or if it currently has the presence of crabgrass in it, there are some things you can do.
Pre-Emergent Treatments
Pre-emergent treatment for crabgrass involves some planning and timing. In the Carmel, Westfield area, crabgrass germination usually begins in late April, when the soil temperature reaches 62°F at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. To be effective, pre-emergent crabgrass herbicides have to be down before germination begins. It is safe to apply these if the average soil temperature is between 50°F and 55°F. The herbicide creates a barrier that stops or hinders crabgrass germination.
Post-Emergent Treatments
Post-emergent treatments are generally less effective and more damaging than pre-emergent treatments. Additionally, post-emergent treatments are most effective on young plants, but can also have an effect on more mature plants. The recommended treatment plan is 2 to 3 applications of herbicide, spaced 7 to 10 days apart to achieve a reasonable amount of control.
GreenLawn by Design Can Help with Your Crabgrass Problems
GreenLawn by Design has a lot of experience helping people control crabgrass in their turf. We provide a full spectrum of weed control and lawn care programs that help your lawn regain or maintain its healthy, vibrant appearance. These programs include:
- Lawn Fertilization – A regularly scheduled plan of providing lawn feedings, with different nutrient contents depending on season and location, produces the best results.
- Weed Control – A weed is a ‘plant out of place’ – and they seem to love lawns, especially unhealthy lawns. When combined with lawn fertilization, a regularly scheduled plan of administering environmentally-friendly weed control measures to your lawn helps the grass in your lawn establish and maintain control – thus driving out the weeds.
- Lawn Aeration – Imagine trying to breathe if you were crammed into a compact car with 10 other people – exactly! A lawn needs room to breathe – overly compacted soil will suffocate your lawn, even overcoming the positive effects of lawn fertilization and weed control measures.
- Grub Control – In addition to being a delicacy for skunks and raccoons who will dig up your lawn to get to these tasty morsels, grubs will point-blank kill your lawn. These little buggers have a voracious appetite, and one of their favorite nutrition sources is your lawn’s roots!
If you’re having trouble with crabgrass, or with any weeds in your lawn, call or get a quote today, and let’s talk about getting your lawn back to full health. CALL 317-804-8088 or complete the contact form for your Free Estimate!
We’re the #1 Locally and Veteran Owned Lawn Care and Landscape Company in Carmel, Indiana. Our lawn care program has technical superiority and the approach is more sustainable –it’s the right choice!