If you’re trying to get the perfect lawn then you’ll probably have already come across crabgrass. It is generally acknowledged to be more resilient and faster growing than most other types of grass. Even worse, according to a recent study by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; it can actually poison other plants.
The Facts About Crabgrass
Once the seeds reach your lawn it is possible for them to simply stay dormant for up to 3 years. Only once the temperature reaches 55° will they start to germinate. The sun should also be warm enough to cut through the moist top layer of soil.
Once they start to grow the plant will last just one season before dying. The problem with this is that at the end of the summer you’ll be left with a bare spot in your garden. This looks unsightly and clears the way for more crabgrass to grow!
This is why it is essential to discover how to get rid of the crabgrass once and for all:
Choose The Right Weed Whacker
One of the best weed eater products currently on the market is the string trimmer. This can effectively destroy crabgrass. All you need to do is keep your eyes open for its arrival and then get rid of it straight away.
A plentiful supply of your normal grass seed will help to repopulate the bare patch without the crab grass returning.
The trick to this approach being successful is to start early. The sooner you get rid of the crabgrass the less likely it is to leave seeds behind. This will decrease the likelihood of you getting more the following season.
It is worth noting that mowing the lawn regularly will help to minimize the growth of any plants and give you time to get rid of the crabgrass.
Use A Herbicide
It is possible to buy herbicides over the counter which will kill crabgrass. You can also make your own version with clove oil and citric acid.
You’ll need to apply the herbicide directly to the crabgrass. However, it is important to be aware that many of these herbicides will also kill the other plants they come into contact with. You’ll need to use it with extreme caution!
Don’t Cut Too Often
Crabgrass is known as an opportunist weed. It will find an empty spot I your lawn and start growing. This means you need to get rid of these opportunities.
One way to do this is through the use of grass seed in the cooler months to ensure the lawn is all covered. You can then cut the grass but keep your mower on a high setting; this will help to prevent the bare patches that you often get with cutting it to short.
Remove Waste
When you cut the lawn or remove crabgrass by hand it’s important to remove and bag the waste. If you place it in your compost pile then you’ll e creating the perfect conditions for the seeds to germinate and spread again.
Minimize Water
Keep your watering frequency infrequent but plentiful. This will deprive the top soil of water; where the crabgrass seeds live. Letting the water soak in deeply will ensure your grass does well.
