Crabgrass is an annual weed that is common in lawns across Maryland and Virginia. Even if you can’t see them, crabgrass seeds exist in your lawn year-round. Once soil temperatures reach 55 degrees, some of the seeds will begin to germinate. This typically happens in the beginning of spring, giving crabgrass the entire summer to grow and take over your lawn. After the first frost in the fall, most crabgrass plants die, but they’ve already dropped over 150,000 seeds in your lawn that can germinate next year.
Nutsedge, also called nutgrass, is often mistaken for crabgrass. While the two plants may look similar in their beginning growth stages, they have several key differences. Crabgrass grows close to the ground, forming dense mats of organic material. It also reproduces by seed and has a hollow stem. Nutsedge, on the other hand, grows vertically and reproduces through tubers that grow underground.
Crabgrass is not only unsightly—it’s also one of the most stubborn weeds you can come across. It thrives in warm temperatures and dry conditions, giving it an advantage over turf grasses that are more sensitive. This opportunistic plant will grow in the bare and thin parts on your lawn, reproducing and expanding until it’s taken over completely.
Crabgrass is green with wide, flat blades that grow outward from a center point, sometimes creating a star pattern. Each blade is about the width of a pencil and can become up to five inches long if left untreated. How to Prevent Crabgrass|While difficult to prevent completely, there are some steps you can take to discourage crabgrass from growing in your lawn. This includes maintaining dense, healthy grass that doesn’t give crabgrass the opportunity to establish itself. You can do this by:
How to Kill Crabgrass|While killing crabgrass is easier said than done, it’s not impossible! Some DIY options, like using boiling water or salt, can do more harm than good. Before you try any methods, make sure to do your research and consult your lawn care experts when in doubt.
Picking the right product, when to apply it, and where to put it can be overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, consider a professional lawn care company. Here at Blades of Green, we offer comprehensive weed control that keeps nutsedge, dandelions, clover, chickweed, thistle, and crabgrass out of your lawn. We use EPA-approved products that are tailored to your property’s specific needs.
Crabgrass is an incredibly stubborn weed but our soil experts will explain how to eliminate it and prevent it from coming back.