Crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis, is probably the most widely recognized lawn pest. Infesting both cool and warm season turf, this grass like weed can ruin a beautiful lawn. Prevalent in warm climates, crabgrass seed germinates in early spring, matures and produces seed with summer sunshine and dies with Fall's frosts.

1. A mature crabgrass plant can produce millions of seed.

2. Crabgrass, as it matures, has a creeping, mat like growth that smothers desirable grasses. These smothered areas are perfect homes for next years' weed seeds.

3. Once you see it - it's usually too late. In other words by the time you notice crabgrass invading your lawn, usually July, it's fairly mature. At this stage crabgrass is very difficult to selectively kill. Treatments, usually more than one, are expensive and potentially damaging to desirable turf.

 

1. Apply pre-emergent crabgrass controls (the correct type for your lawn) at the proper times - usually February/March in the North Valley.

2. Maintain a thick lawn that resists weed invasion. Higher mowing height will definitely help.

3. If you see crabgrass in your lawn pluck it out. Many things can "break" the pre-emergent barrier i.e. edging, earthworms, raking, excessive rain etc. Don't rely solely on chemical control. The crabgrass weed you pull may result in millions of fewer seed next season.