Use these simple methods to kill crabgrass and prevent it from coming back. Avoid the big mistake that most people make when trying to have a crabgrass free lawn.
What Is Crabgrass and Why Is It Bad?
Crabgrass is an unattractive annual weed that enters your lawn (usually through bare spots). Its coarse texture and variation in color makes it stick out and prevents you from achieving a uniform looking lawn. It is a problem weed in both cool season and warm season lawns.
When Does Crabgrass Germinate?
Crabgrass can germinate whenever soil temperatures are ideal. Once soil temperatures hit 55 degrees crabgrass seeds begin to germinate. Peak germination is around 65 degrees, and once soil temps are in the high 70’s most crabgrass seeds that are in the soil should already be germinated. When soil temps are in the 80’s it’s too hot for crabgrass and most other broadleaf weeds to germinate.
During the summer and early fall, crabgrass will drop its seeds. The seeds remain in the soil over the winter and germinate the following season as soil temps warm up after the winter.
The summer months is when you’re likely to see crabgrass thrive. This is what confuses people into thinking that new seed is germinating but that’s not the case. At this point, what you’re really seeing is the already germinated crabgrass becoming more mature as it flourishes during these hot months and outcompetes the rest of your lawn, especially for those with cool season grasses.
What Does Crabgrass Look Like?
Crabgrass has to be the most misidentified weed there is. Pretty much anytime there is a grass like weed with wide leaf blades people call it crabgrass. This is a serious problem though since there are many other undesirable grass types that resemble crabgrass but won’t react to the same treatments.
Tall clumping fescue for example might look like crabgrass at first glance but it is very different and requires different control methods.
Crabgrass is usually light green in color and stays low to the ground, usually landing underneath mower blades depending on height of cut. The only part of the weed that grows tall is the stalk which carries tiny flowers that eventually turn to seed.
For a more in depth look on identifying crabgrass check out: Organo-Lawn
Soil Temps And Crabgrass
Crabgrass starts to germinate when your soil temperature hits 55 degrees. The best thing you can do is find out when your soil temperature hits 50 degrees and apply your crabgrass pre-emergent then. If you apply when soil temps are at 50, by the time it hits 55 the pre-emergent will already be in your soil.
You’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to know when your soil temperature is 50 degrees. Luckily, there is a great site called GreenCast Online.
All you have to do is go to the site and enter your zip code. Look at the 24 hr. soil temperature average and when it hits 50 degrees it’s time to throw down your first application.
About 5-6 weeks later you want to apply another round of pre-emergents as soil temps hit 65 degrees.
Once soil temps go above 80 degrees crabgrass germination comes to a halt. Adding a pre-emergent at this time won’t be very effective. I should point out that at the end of summer as soil temps fall back down to 70 degrees there are fall germinating broadleaf weeds that can pop up. That’s why I recommend a third application of pre-emergents heading into fall.
For a better understanding of soil temperature and how it should be used in your lawn care program check out: The Importance of Soil Temperatures in Your Lawn
Prevent Crabgrass With Pre-Emergent Chemicals
Of all the lawn care products out there, pre-emergent herbicides are probably the most misunderstood and misused.
Most people rush to the stores the second the weather starts to get nice in early spring, and they load up on a step 1 product that most fertilizer companies sell.
The step 1 for most of these companies contains a crabgrass pre-emergent and a fertilizer all in one. On the label you can find a very broad time frame of when you are supposed to apply.
There’s nothing wrong with applying a step 1 product to your lawn. But for it to be fully effective you have to have an understanding of soil temps.
If you’re looking for a simple crabgrass pre-emergent strategy using the step 1 products you see everywhere then apply the step 1 twice, and at the correct soil temperatures. Your first application should be when your soil temps hit 50 degrees, and your second application should be about 5-6 weeks later as soil temps hit 65. This is a fine strategy if you want to keep things simple.
* Pro Tip: I actually recommend applying pre emergents for a third time heading into fall when soil temps are decreasing (heading back down to 70 degrees). This will prevent Poa Annua and other fall broadleaf weed seeds from germinating. So keep in mind that while all these products will help prevent crabgrass in the first two applications early in the season, they can be applied a third time when soil temps head back down to 70 degrees heading into fall to prevent fall weeds from emerging. Check out this easy program that shows this schedule here: Lawn Care Schedule Using 3 Products
If you’re looking for next level pre-emergents for crabgrass as well as other broadleaf weeds then consider choosing from the following products below and apply the same soil temperature rules:
1. Dimension (or Dithiopyr): Dimension (active ingredient Dithiopyr) is a very effective pre-emergent that is used by professionals. Dimension can be found in a couple of different products but my favorite and most accessible for homeowners is Lescos 19-0-7 Crabgrass Preventer. This is a great product if you’re looking for a pre emergent and fertilizer combo.
One other benefit of this product is it does provide some post-emergent weed control in addition to pre-emergent. So if you’re getting a late start and you’re afraid you missed the early 55 degree soil temperature go time window, then using Dithiopyr could help knock out some broadleaf weeds that have already begun to germinate.
If you’d like to separate your fertilizer application from your pre emergent application then I recommend using Dithiopyr 0-0-7. I love how this product is easy to purchase online and delivered right to your door.
2. Prodiamaine:
Another great crabgrass pre-emergent is Prodiamine. Prodiamine is the name of the active ingredient so it can be found in several different products. It’s commonly found in products that contain Barricade. To make things less complicated just know that Barricade and Prodiamine are the same thing. If you see a fertilizer that says ‘Fertilizer plus Barricade’ you know you’re getting Prodiamine. In fact a great fertilizer plus Barricade combo is The Andersons 19-0-6 with Barricade.
If you don’t want a fertilizer and pre emergent combo then you can buy Prodiamine 0-0-7 which is just prodiamine with a little Potassium here: Prodiamine 0-0-7. This is what I use for most of my pre emergent applications. This is also easy to purchase online and delivered right to your door.
3. Pendimethalin:
Pendimethalin is the pre-emergent you’re most likely to see in the step 1 programs such as Scotts. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with Pendimethalin and if that’s what you choose to use for one, or your first two applications then that’s fine. But most professionals would agree that Dimension and Prodiamine are superior to the Pendimethalin.
Once again, If you’re new to lawn care or you’re getting too confused and don’t know where to begin, then keep it simple and just apply Scotts Step 1 for your first two applications. Just stick to the soil temperature guidelines (hitting 50 degrees and then again at 65).
Post Emergent Herbicides to Kill Crabgrass
While prevention is definitely the best method for managing crabgrass, it is likely you will still have some clumps of crabgrass that find a way into your turf. It’s usually in the most vulnerable locations within your lawn. This is when you want to use a post emergent:
1. Ortho Weed B Gone Plus Grabgrass Control– The best way to kill crabgrass that is already established is to spot treat using a liquid, lawn safe herbicide such as Ortho Weed B Gone Plus Crabgrass Control (active ingredient 2, 4-D). This is a selective herbicide so it will kill crabgrass without killing your lawn surrounding the crabgrass.
I recommend going out and walking your lawn once a week to spot treat new clumps of crabgrass that pop up. It will likely take 2-3 repeat applications to knock back more mature weeds.
2. Tenacity– Another great product for killing crabgrass and other weeds is a product called Tenacity (active ingredient Mesotrione). This is a lawn safe, selective herbicide that comes in a liquid concentrate that gets mixed with water in a tank sprayer. What’s great about this product is it’s safe to use when you are seeding your lawn. Most post emergents require you to wait at least 30 days after application to spread seed. Tenacity on the other hand can be applied at the same time as seeding.
Another added bonus with Tenacity is it can be used as a pre emergent as well. Personally I’m more of a fan of granular pre emergents but once again, if you are planning on seeding within 3 months of application then spraying Tenacity as a pre emergent instead of applying the Dithiopyr or Prodiamine is definitely the way to go.
As always, read the label first before purchasing since this isn’t safe to use on some warm season grasses such as Bermuda Grass.
3. Celsius WG– Celsius WG is a great post emergent herbicide that should only be used on warm season lawns. This is one of the best products for killing crabgrass as well as other grassy weeds you find in warm season lawns. It is a concentrate that gets mixed with water in a tank sprayer. If you have a serious crabgrass problem on your warm season lawn then this is definitely the product you want to use. Follow the label for mixing instructions and correct usage.
When it comes to liquid post emergent herbicides, I always like to mix in a small amount of Surfactant. Surfactant helps the herbicide stick to the leaves. With more mature weeds there can be a waxy coating on the leaves that makes it hard to get the herbicide to stick. If you’ve ever wondered why your weed killer hasn’t work it could be that the herbicide ran off of the leaves. Surfactant will solve this problem.
Manually Remove Crabgrass
If you just have some random crabgrass weeds that pop up here or there then consider manual removal. Sometimes I don’t have the patience to wait for chemicals to kick in. I prefer to get rid of it the moment I see it. The trick here is to manually remove crabgrass before it gets too big.
If it’s just a small weed simply pull it out by hand or use a really helpful weed pulling tool . If there is a more substantial patch then you have to dig it out using a shovel and that will create a bare spot in your lawn.
Removing smaller crabgrass weeds is definitely easier and better for your lawn!
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
It’s true. Nothing is better for combating lawn weeds then maintaining a healthy, full lawn. Sticking to a good lawn care program will allow your lawn to out compete crabgrass.
An established lawn with no bare spots makes it a lot harder for weeds to gain traction. If you have bare spots in your lawn then consider repairing them by top dressing.
Also, mowing tall and often is a great way to prevent crabgrass. Mowing tall will allow your lawn to block sun from reaching the low growing crabgrass. Mowing often will prevent stalks from forming flowers which eventually become seeds.
The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes
Overall, the biggest mistake I see most homeowners make is applying crabgrass pre-emergent only once in early spring. Applying 2 applications 5-6 weeks apart is crucial!
Applying pre-emergent twice allows you to not have to worry about your timing so much. It can be hard to predict when crabgrass will germinate so applying 2 applications of pre-emergent takes away a lot of the guess work.
It also ensures that there is plenty of pre-emergent in your lawn over a longer period. This is important since there is a long period in spring/summer where crabgrass has the ability to germinate.
Check Out These Posts Next
Lawn Care Schedule Using Only 3 Products
The Importance of Soil Temperature In Your Lawn
How to Kill Weeds Without Killing Grass
Top Dressing Lawn: Benefits and Advice
Leave Grass Clippings on Lawn or Not
White Grubs: Prevention and Treatment
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I love the info it really helps me to treat my lawn and to help establish a very nice and healthy looking lawn.
Willing to try!!!!
I have foxtails, trying to get them out.
I do not no one grass from the other.
I just retried, would like to learn
About my yard… and what to do
Thank you
Nita
The good thing about the products I recommend is they are selective, meaning they’ll target the weeds but not the grass. It takes away a lot of the guess work
great information to help homeowner rid their yard of crabgrass. So important to know it takes more than 1 -2 treatments to help rid the yard of crabgrass
Thanks for the great article Mark. I agree that Prodiamine is one of the best pre emergents. I’ve been using it for the past couple of years and my yard looks great. I never tried the product from Yard Mastery but I like that it has a little bit of Potassium in it. I’ll have to give it a try.
Thanks George glad to hear you found it helpful. I really like the using yard mastery products. They have great shipping and a lot of info about their products on their site. I use the Prodiamine 0-0-7 for my first 2 applications.
Just purchased a new home with a fairly large lawn, front, sides and back. The lawn looks as though nothing has ever been done to it. It’s bumpy and mostly weeds. It’s not pretty.
I appreciate the great information provided. I will use this info to make my lawn beautiful, even if it takes a couple seasons to accomplish my goal, a lush green grass lawn devoid of weeds.
Thank you again for the great information. Have a very Green Day,
PK
Your very welcome Paul! You might be amazed at how your lawn will improve once you start feeding it. I’m not sure where you are located but I would continue feeding until fall and then once fall hits you can assess where you are. If you have some bumpy area or areas that are struggling you could consider top dressing and overseeding those areas. Best of luck and let me know if you need any advice!
What are your thoughts on Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Preventer Granules?
Hi Scott. In short, there’s nothing wrong with that and if that’s what you have on hand then you can go ahead and throw it down when soil temps hit 50 degrees. This is marketed as both a pre emergent and a post emergent meaning it should kill existing weeds while also preventing crabgrass and other weed seeds that germinate. The post emergent active ingredient in this product is 2,4-D which is a great product and one that I recommend. However, I recommend it in liquid form. In general I’m not a fan of using granular herbicides for post emergents. Instead I prefer Spraying with Ortho Weed B Gone or some other lawn safe selective liquid herbicide. Granular post emergent herbicides can be tough to get to stick to the weeds and if they don’t stick they wont work. That’s why a lot of homeowners struggle with them. If you have existing weeds in your lawn I would definitely recommend spraying instead. In terms of a pre emergent the active ingredient is Dithiopyr which is great. Unlike post emergents herbicides, pre emergent herbicides are great to apply in granular form. So long story short there is no harm in putting it down just realize you’ll get more of a pre emergent benefit than you will a post emergent.