Pre-Emergent Control of Crabgrass

Did you have a crabgrass problem last year? Well, chances are, it’s gonna be even worse this year! Crabgrass is an annual lawn weed that dies once a hard frost hits. The main problem with this pest is the tenacious seed that it leaves behind after it blooms. Early spring is the season to control crabgrass with a pre-emergent herbicide. This chemical works by killing the crabgrass seedlings as they germinate. Here’s what you need to do:

• Apply the pre-emergent as the forsythia is going out of bloom.
• For newly seeded lawns, wait until you have mowed your lawn three times before applying the herbicide. This will help to avoid killing the new grass.
• Use a spreader to apply the herbicide uniformly across your lawn.
• Apply your pre-emergent before a light rain. This will knock the chemical off the grass blades and down to the soil surface where the crabgrass seed is germinating.
• Do not de-thatch or aerate the lawn after applying the herbicide, as this disruption will break the chemical barrier.
• Wait two to four months to re-seed the lawn after applying.
• Repeat this same procedure year after year.
• Keep you and your lawn safe. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions.