When soil temperatures reach 50-55 degrees, Crabgrass will germinate in any sunny area of your lawn if left untreated. When it comes to crabgrass, prevention is essential.

Preventing Crabgrass

When looking for a crabgrass preventer, you might notice products labeled as “pre-emergent.” This means the germinating seeds are targeted before new shoots emerge from the soil and can’t become established plants. Highly effective preventers such as Jonathan Green’s Crabgrass Preventer plus Green-Up Lawn Fertilizer control crabgrass and other pesky weeds for up to four weeks after it emerges. Because weed preventer stops seed germination, always follow label instructions regarding overseeding lawn areas. The general rule is to wait at least 60 days and at least two mowings before seeding after using a weed preventer.

Timing Crabgrass Preventer

Being a preventer, it must be used before seedlings emerge from the soil. While many crabgrass preventers give a short window after emerging, it is best to be proactive. Crabgrass seeds start to germinate in early spring when the soil temperatures are right. Yellow-blooming forsythia shrubs bloom at the same soil temperatures as crabgrass germination.

Killing Existing Crabgrass Plants

Once crabgrass plants are several inches above the ground, crabgrass preventers are no longer effective. At that point you must apply a selective “post-emergent” herbicide like Bonide’s Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass & Broadleaf Weed Killer. Always check the product is selective and safe to use on your lawn type before using the product.

Take control of your lawn this spring by breaking the cycle and preventing the spread. Farmer John’s Greenhouse is committed to providing you with quality products for all your lawn care. Let us help you keep your lawn lush, healthy, and weed- free.