How To Rid My Lawn Of Crabgrass

Drive Xlr8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer

• Fastest crabgrass killer with results in 2 days.
• Provides residual control .
• Rainproof within 1 hour.

My review: With a single application, the crabgrass in my lawn started to die on the third day.

Drive XLR8 is a water-based crabgrass formulation that Ive found to be the most effective at controlling crabgrass and a couple of other stubborn weeds in lawns.

Being a water-based concentrate, it is quickly absorbed by the target weeds, killing them systemically within a day or two.

Heres more information from my review:

The active ingredient in Drive XLR8 is quinclorac, which is known to kill crabgrass with great success. It is also safe for some turfgrasses, so it wont kill grass in your lawn if you apply as per the label.

The herbicide is absorbed through roots and foliage and then translocated throughout the plant. Within a few days of applying Drive XLR8 on crabgrass, I noticed signs of destruction such as stunted growth, chlorosis, and gradual death of crabgrass and other grassy weeds in my lawn.

After testing extensively, I noticed that some types of crabgrass, especially smooth crabgrass did not respond to the application of this post-emergent herbicide.

Stop Crabgrass With A Pre

Crabgrass is a summer annual, so you wont notice its a problem in your lawn until July and August, says Elmore. Then, it sets seed in late summer for next years crop. If crabgrass has been a problem in years past, put down a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring before crabgrass germinates. This product is designed to kill annual weeds which pop up from seed.

Crabgrass germinates at around 55 degrees no matter where you live, so watch soil temperatures and apply at the ideal time . Typically, thats sometime around when forsythia, those bright yellow flowering shrubs, bloom. Be careful if youre planning to patch bare spots because a pre-emergent will prevent grass seeds from sprouting.

Crabgrass Removal & Prevention

Here are some tips for preventing the spread of crabgrass:

• Manually pull as much crabgrass as possible before seed heads develop and mature
• Crabgrass growing on hard surfaces like interlock or between stones can be destroyed with horticultural vinegar
• Mow;frequently and bag all clippings to;capture seeds. Raking prostrate crabgrass tillers before mowing to stand them up will improve results
• Rake out dead plants along the edge of driveways early in spring to prepare for seeding with desirable grasses varieties
• Thicken the;lawn with Liquid Aeration and OverSeeding to reduce thin or;bare areas to crowd out the crabgrass
• Let the lawn grow to two and a half or three inches tall to shade the soil and reduce the amount of sunlight and warmth that reaches dormant crabgrass;seeds
• Water deeply, at least once a week, to strengthen desired grass and minimize surface moisture that crabgrass seeds need to germinate
• If you are not planning to seed the lawn, apply corn gluten meal in the spring.; It can help, but will not eliminate crabgrass development

Corn gluten meal can be used to create a barrier on the surface of the grass which helps to limit seed establishment. If you are considering this treatment, be aware of false claims, know its limitations and be patient. Corn gluten meal can prevent up to 40% of crabgrass germination but will have the same effect on desirable grass seeds, and will take up to three years for protein levels to become established in the soil.

Also Check: Who Sells Murray Lawn Mower Parts

Does Trugreen Get Rid Of Crabgrass

Getting rid of crabgrasscrabgrasseliminateTruGreencrabgrass

How to Kill Crabgrass. If you only have a few crabgrass plants in your lawn, you can treat them with a ready-to-use product like Scotts® Spot Weed Control – For Lawns. This spray kills listed weeds, including crabgrass, down to the root without harming your lawn, when used as directed.

Also, when should you kill crabgrass? In general:

Also Know, how do I rid my lawn of crabgrass?

Steps To Getting Rid Of Crab Grass

What is the best product to kill crabgrass?

10 Best Crabgrass Killers

• QuinKill Max Crabgrass and Weed Killer.
• Bayer Advanced All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer.
• Bayer Advanced 704080 All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer.
• Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns And Crabgrass Killer.
• Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer.

Can You Seed Over Dead Crabgrass

You can overseed into existing grassy weeds like crabgrass and then apply pre-emergent crabgrass killer the following spring to remove crabgrass from your lawn. Do not plant new seed if you applied pre-emergent crabgrass killer earlier that growing season. The crabgrass killer will also kill germinating turfgrass seed.

Read Also: Does Lowes Take Trade In Lawn Mowers

Pulling Out The Crabgrass

The most effective method of getting rid of crabgrass is by pulling it out manually. This is because the method does not involve any use of chemicals nor does it risk the surrounding lawn grass.

To make the process without taking a toll on yourself, consider watering the lawn first so that you can soften the soil. Pulling out weeds when the soils are dry risks interfering with so many grass plants since the weed has fibrous roots that spread far and wide.

Solarize Crabgrass Patches In The Lawn

Solarization is a natural way of killing weeds like crabgrass by covering them with clear, transparent plastic or tarp during hot weather to desiccate and destroy them with the suns heat. You can solarize crabgrass where there are large patches of it growing in your lawn.

Heres how:

• Mow the lawn short in areas with crabgrass patches.
• Water the area properly at a depth of up to 2 feet.
• Cover the crabgrass patch with clear plastic.
• Secure the edges of the plastic with heavy soil to trap all the heat underneath.
• Leave it for 4 to 8 weeks for solar heat to destroy crabgrass.
• Remove the plastic cover and till the area for reseeding.

Solarization can kill crabgrass for good without the need to use chemicals because it uses natural heat from the sun. As such, it is a highly effective way of getting rid of crabgrass in the summer because it is the season when the sun is at its hottest.

The method is also very effective if you want to kill crabgrass before planting new grass seed because it can kill all the vegetation and crabgrass seed in the soil before they even germinate.

Also Check: How Much Do Lawn Mowing Companies Charge

Can We Prevent Crabgrass Before It Becomes A Problem

The good news is that yes, we can take specific measures to prevent crabgrass from taking over our lawns. One of the main ways in which you can prevent crabgrass is by maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the year. Crabgrass loves bare, warm soil, so if you can water your lawn and keep it healthy, you reduce the risk of crabgrass popping up in the spring.

Applying nutrient-rich fertiliser regularly to your lawn supports your grasses to grow regardless of the weather and can be an excellent way to offset the arrival of those pesky weeds. Replacing dry patches of lawn with new pieces of turf where possible is also really helpful, as it is from these patches that crabgrass emerges and begins its takeover.

In addition to these natural lawn care methods, you can also prevent the spread of crabgrass by treating your lawn with specific pre-emergent chemicals. However, dont fall into the trap of misusing the chemicals, as this could spell disaster for the health of your lawn in the long-run.

In order for pre-emergent chemicals to be useful, timing is paramount. You need to monitor your soils temperature and only apply the chemicals when the soil is reaching 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of optimal growth for crabgrass. You then need to apply the chemicals again approximately six weeks later.

There are lots of pre-emergent chemicals on the market, but some of the best include:

How To Use Pre

• Timing is essential when using pre-emergent herbicides. Application times depend a great deal on weather patterns, which vary from region to region. If your area has experienced a warmer than usual winter, you’ll probably need to apply the herbicide earlier than usual.;
• Apply the herbicide when the ground temperature rises above 16 degrees. Since it’s difficult for most of us to monitor the soil temperature, there’s an easier way. When shrubs start blooming and trees start budding, it’s time to apply the herbicide. Warm nights and periods of rainfall encourage crabgrass germination. If your weather fits this pattern, get the herbicide in place right away.;
• For newly seeded lawns, wait until you have mowed your lawn three times before applying the herbicide to avoid killing the new grass seedlings.;
• Apply the herbicide uniformly across your lawn. If you miss a spot, crabgrass can get established and then spread to the rest of your lawn.;
• Do not de-thatch or aerate the lawn after applying the herbicide. Doing so may break the chemical barrier of the herbicide.;
• Wait two to four months to re-seed the lawn after using a pre-emergent herbicide.;
• Use a pre-emergent herbicide during late winter or during early spring of the next year to prevent any crabgrass seeds left behind from developing at the next opportunity.;
• Do not use a pre-emergent herbicide if crabgrass is already in the lawn or if you have just installed sod.

Don’t Miss: Lawn Mowing Advertisement

Our Conclusion On Preventing Crabgrass In Your Lawn

As a homeowner, it can be discouraging to see crabgrass pop up in your lush, green lawn. Eradicating crabgrass is challenging and will likely take more than one season to get rid of it completely. It is possible, though, to get rid of bringing your yard back to its pristine state.

The best method of success is an approach utilizing both chemical and cultural practices keeping your lawn healthy and strong while trying to minimize the germination of crabgrass seeds in the early spring.

Mow At The Right Height

Each type of turfgrass has an ideal mowing height. One size doesnt fit all for every species! For example, zoysia is between 1 to ½ inches, while Kentucky blue is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Make sure to mow at the higher end of that range to help keep grass strong and shade out weed seeds. Research shows mowing high reduces some weed infestations, such as crabgrass. If youre not sure what kind of grass you have, check with your local university coop extension service .

Don’t Miss: Where Are Ariens Mowers Made

Crabgrass Control Through Seed Control

During the warm months, getting rid of crab grass problems in;the future should be your goal. Try to prevent the formation and spread of crabgrass seeds.Before mowing, use a lawn rake to disturb the crabgrass from its prostrate position.

Like running a comb through your hair the wrong way, use the rake to cause the seed branches to stand up above the grass.

This might be a tedious chore, but can eliminate 2 or 3 times as many seed heads as a regular mowing over hidden stalks.

After raking, mow the lawn as soon as possible. Be sure to;use a grass catcher. Normally, a mulching mower that returns clippings to the soil is a good idea. That wont help when your goal is getting rid of crab grass seeds.

Can you put these clippings, with seeds, into a compost pile? Only if you actively work the pile, turning it regularly to generate enough heat to kill the seeds. If you add to your garden beds any compost with the seeds not killed, guess what? Crabgrass seeds can remain alive for years in the soil, and germinate even at depths of 2 – 3.

Your best bet at this time may be to recycle your clippings through the local yard waste collection. This is not a technique to pursue long term. Just utilize this practice at the beginning of your crabgrass war, until you have killed or removed the weeds.

Categories Of Crabgrass Killers

• Non-selective chemical herbicides
• Preventive treatments;

Also, controlling crabgrass is sometimes not a matter of killing it at all, but establishing practices for maintaining a healthy lawn that will naturally discourage crabgrass from thriving. These methods can include:;

• Planting the right turf-grass species
• Watering correctly
• Regular dethatching and core aeration

Let’s look at the best methods and products for controlling crabgrass in each category.;

Don’t Miss: Ant Hills In My Lawn

Herbicides Might Be A Remedy But Not The Solution

Remember the common saying treat the disease, not the symptom, which is the epitome of good health care? The same applies to lawns stricken with crabgrass.

Crabgrass invades thin lawns, cut too low, underwatered, under-fertilized, and poorly drained. Essentially whenever there is a poorly maintained lawn, crabgrass will eventually start to take over.

Therefore, using weed killers is not a final solution to the problem. As long as the conditions are not right, it will keep returning. Its a bit like trying to treat a broken arm with painkillers.

Frequent And Deep Watering Is Also Needed

Something that you can do to get rid of crabgrass, is to frequently give your lawn water. But, you will need to give your lawn frequent and deep water.

Meaning that you need to make sure that you are giving your lawn enough water, for the crabgrass to drown. And, you will need to do it regularly.

This is only possible if you are doing it before the seeds develop. Once the seeds develop, the watering can make the seeds grow faster.

Recommended Reading: Best Time To Kill Creeping Charlie

Dont Want To Use Chemicals Heres How To Get Rid Of Crabgrass Naturally

To kill crabgrass naturally, start by removing early spring sprouts by hand and disposing of the plants as this slows down the spread of crabgrass seeds. Put the weeds in a bag so that the seeds dont spread.

By midsummer, crabgrass can become stubborn. You may need the help of nontoxic herbicides made with organic ingredients like Green Gobbler 20% Horticultural Vinegar Weed Killer that has high ratings from over . Vinegar and salt are also natural crabgrass killers that you can find right in your pantry. However, use salt with caution as it can kill other nearby plants.

Maintaining A Healthy Lawn

• Planting the right turf-grass species. Crabgrass tends to get established where bare, thin spots are found in your lawn. Planting the right turfgrass species can help keep your lawn full and healthy. For example, grass seed mixes marketed as “shady lawn” includes species that should take root and grow well in shady areas. Or, plant “high-traffic” seed mixes to create a full lawn where there is the likelihood or heavy foot traffic.;
• Watering correctly. Crabgrass is a tenacious plant that does well in parched circumstances. If you keep your lawn well-watered, desirable turf grasses will remain healthy, blocking out crabgrass.;
• Proper fertilizing. A healthy lawn is one that keeps crabgrass at bay. Periodic applications of turf-builder fertilizers will keep your turf grasses healthy.;
• Regular dethatching and core aeration. Turf lawns need to “breathe” to remain healthy. Removing thatch build-up and having your lawn aerated every couple of years will allow water, air, and nutrients to get down to the root zone of your turfgrass.;

Don’t Miss: Too Much Oil In Lawn Mower

Maintaining A Lush Healthy Lawn

The key way to sabotage crabgrass is to maintain a thick, uniform lawn. The lawn should be healthy, with turf in good condition since crabgrass can easily overpower weak turf. Also, there should be no ruts or bald spots, because it is precisely here that crabgrass likes to take root.

Easier said than done, right? Its not enough to just wish for a healthy lawn to make it happen .

Lets discover a couple of tricks that will ensure you get and keep a healthy lawn.

Set your mower deck high! Most lawns are cut too low in fact, that is officially the number one mowing mistake. The golden rule is to cut only of the grass blade each time you mow. Giving the ideal mowing height for maintaining a thick turf being between 2 and 3.75 inches.

Quick tip: Water the lawn less frequently but deeply soak your entire lawn as a summer shower would. Frequent shallow watering can weaken your turf by preventing it from forming a deep root system.

Plus, constant surface wetness creates an ideal ground for the occurrence of turf disease.

What Makes Crab Grass Look Like A Star

Eventually, the stems and branches get larger and fall to the ground where they start growing is a pattern reminiscent of stars. The center of the grass is left exposed. This image is unique to the crabgrass and is what identifies it among other grasses.

Control existing weeds. You can overseed into existing grassy weeds like crabgrass and then apply pre-emergent crabgrass killer the following spring to remove crabgrass from your lawn. Do not plant new seed if you applied pre-emergent crabgrass killer earlier that growing season.

Read Also: Best Weed Killer For Creeping Charlie