Crabgrass is one of the most hated weeds in lawns because it’s the most dominant. Proper lawn maintenance can help you gain control over this unsightly weed.
Identifying Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a common weed that gets its name from how it grows close to the ground and extends out like the legs of a crab. It comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures because it adapts to your lawn’s environment. Mature Crabgrass has thicker blades than your turf.
Color is not the best indicator for this particular weed. Its colors can range from light green to deep dark green. It can be hard to identify. If you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional lawn care company to evaluate if the “grass” is harmful and treat it appropriately before it spreads and takes over your lawn.
Why Do I Have It?
Crabgrass is an opportunistic annual weed that grows in sunny, thin, and bare spots in your lawn. It sprouts in late spring and early summer and thrives in hot weather because it’s drought-tolerant. This weed will grow all summer, becoming unsightly when the seeds spread in late summer.
Bare Spots
Crabgrass prospers in areas with bare soil and full sun. You’ll notice it near the edges of your driveway and sidewalks.
Salty Soil
Crabgrass loves salt. Areas that use salt on winter roads are at a high risk of Crabgrass growth.
Mowing Too Short
Since Crabgrass thrives in sunlight, mowing too short allows the sunlight it needs to sprout. Studies show that keeping your grass tall (approximately 3.5-4 inches in height) will do more to prevent Crabgrass growth than any chemical on the market.
Too Much Water
Your soil is full of Crabgrass seeds just waiting to germinate. Frequent shallow watering is not helpful for your lawn’s health and helps the seed sprout. Give your yard a deep water treatment about once or twice a week.
Crabgrass is a tricky little weed that spreads to different areas of your yard year after year. Take care of it before it takes over your lawn, kicking out your beautiful turf. Gain control over one of the most hated weeds with routine lawn maintenance. Call Nichols Reliable Lawn Care & More for a FREE evaluation and estimate. We are here to keep your lawn looking beautiful year-round.