Crabgrass is a type of lawn weed common enough to earn its own type of lawn care products known as crabgrass preventers. This tricky plant frequently slips underneath lawn mowers and spreads its seeds liberally to take over your yard. Therefore, the best way to remove and prevent crabgrass is by using one of a variety of herbicidal crabgrass preventers.
Here is a short guide to the most common types of crabgrass preventers and how they work:
For large lawns, liquid preventers are an efficient way to prevent and kill crabgrass. It’s also helpful for applying to lawn edges and cracks in sidewalks, patios and driveways.
Granular formulas are a better choice for smaller lawns. However, they can take longer to work than liquid versions due to a slower absorption rate.
Some organic options for killing crabgrass include corn gluten and vinegar. While these methods take much longer than synthetic products, you won’t have to worry about the effects of harsh chemicals on your yard. If you don’t mind synthetic herbicides, there are plenty of options available from your local garden center or lawn care professionals.
Selective herbicide is a product containing chemicals that target specific weeds rather than affecting everything they touch. There are selective herbicides available for tackling many lawn weeds, so make sure you choose a formula specifically meant for treating crabgrass.
Non-selective herbicides, however, do not discriminate from one plant to another. This means they can kill multiple types of weeds plaguing your lawn, but they might also harm the grass. The key to using non-selective herbicides is to apply them exactly as directed to get rid of crabgrass but avoid unwanted damage.
No matter your chosen method of crabgrass control, timing is everything. The best time to apply a preventative crabgrass treatment is early spring, right as the crabgrass seeds start to germinate.
However, if you have existing crabgrass, use a post-emergent crabgrass killer. These products are specially formulated to manage grassy weeds that are already fully grown.
Crabgrass can be frustrating for homeowners with lawns, but it’s not impossible to beat. The more you know about your preventative options, the better equipped you’ll be to protect and treat your lawn.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
