Skip to main content

How to Kill Crabgrass in the Spring

Each year, frustrated home and land owners seek out conventional ways to defeat stubborn weeds that detract from the beauty of a lush, green lawn. Perhaps the most common and notorious of these weeds is crabgrass, a summer annual weed that spreads quickly during an ideal warm environment. Menacing crabgrass can quickly turn a thriving green lawn into an unattractive quandary. Because no one wants to spend the summer on their hands and knees pulling unruly weeds up by the roots, it is best to vanquish them before they become obstinately embedded. Crabgrass germinates early in the Spring for many parts of the country causing the weed to grow out of control before it is ever treated. Though it may seem to be an inevitably perpetual problem, crabgrass is easily conquered with the proper tools, timing and diligence to carry out the task.

The Problem with Crabgrass

Crabgrass grows in a “crab-like” shape that branches out into many sections, choking out healthy grass and devaluing the beauty and hard work that goes into a flawless lawn. Some crabgrass can grow as high as 36 inches – though most remain under a foot tall. This summer weed can usually be found growing in areas of low grass growth or in overly dry ground. In addition to being an eye sore, some gardeners may find that it has a tendency to stifle young plants from growing to fruition.

Killing Crabgrass

There are many crabgrass killers on the market that are capable of stopping crabgrass in its tracks if they are used properly. Because crabgrass germinates early in the Spring, it is best tackled before it has a chance to set in the ground and take root. For this, use a pre-emergent herbicide that is applied when the first seedlings begin to germinate. Pre-emergent herbicides kill crabgrass by acting as barrier against newly sprouting weeds.

Check Out: Guide to Vegetation Killers to learn more about pre-emergent herbicides

There are several types of pre-emergent herbicides that include liquids, granules, organic and synthetic. Regardless of the type chosen, a pre-emergent herbicide should be applied to the ground when the temperature of the soil reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit for numerous consecutive days. It is important to avoid aerating the yard after it has been treated for crabgrass, as this could render the herbicide void.

 

Other ways to challenge the weed include keeping grass mowed at a length of at least two inches, pulling plants that evade the herbicide, heavily overseeding the grass, and applying fertilizer to encourage a dense lawn. If the window for pre-emergent herbicidal treatment has past, a post-emergent herbicide crabgrass killer can be applied while the crabgrass plants are very small.

The post How to Kill Crabgrass in the Spring appeared first on All around the house.



from All around the house http://allaroundthe.house/crabgrass-control-tips/
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Give Your Bathroom a Deep Clean in 15-minute Segments

Bathrooms can be a haven of relaxation, however if mildew is growing, counters are overflowing, and hair and dust balls line the floor, the idea of lingering in this room is not appealing. Even if the idea of a clean bathroom is appealing, the idea of a three or four-hour cleaning regiment might not be the motivation needed to complete the bathroom’s spring clean. Instead of trying to complete the cleaning project in one day, spread the chore over several days in 15-minute segments.   Daily Bathroom Cleaning Schedule The first day Clean out any drawers, cabinets, or closets in the bathroom area. Usually items are found that are unnecessary, outdated, or no longer used. Throw away or recycle any material, products, or linens that fit one of these categories. The second day Take items off of the countertop and decide what should be kept, thrown out, or recycled. Try to store most items in the drawers, cabinets, or closet in order to eliminate the clutter. If it is too ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chives – Allium schoenoprasum

Known as common garden chives, Allium schoenoprasum, can be grown indoors and out. Chives are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium. They are grown for the flavour of their leaves, which is reminiscent of onion, although much milder. Both the stems and light purple flowers are used in cooking and the snipped leaves are an addition to many dishes. Chives lose their flavour with long cooking so it is best to add them to dishes at the last minute. For chopping stems, a pair of scissors is the best tool. Chives can be frozen or dried. They are less flavourful when dried rather that frozen, so they are best used when fresh and snipped, or snipped and frozen. In both cases sort them carefully, removing any yellowing leaves and shoots, and keep only the plump green ones. It is possible to place chives in non-iodized salt, keep them there for several weeks, remove the leaves, and then bottle the ‘chive salt’ for use in flavouring. Chives are a perennial in the garden and grow app...
Post a Comment
Read more

Landscape Ideas to Save Energy

One should be aware that plants properly placed in our landscapes can save both energy and dollars. As you plan your landscape or add to an existing landscape, consider locating plants where they will save energy and money. Windbreaks have long been used on farms to help divert wind and control conditions. Even in the home landscape, a small planting to divert the wind can be beneficial. Evergreen plants placed to the north or northwest of a home to break the prevailing wind can reduce heat loss and fuel consumption. Where adequate space is available, several rows of trees may be used. However, in a limited area only a few are still helpful, although less effective. Where adequate space is available, the ends of a windbreak should extend 50 feet to each side of the area to be protected. A windbreak is effective for eight times its height, so even before the plants become as high as your house they will provide beneficial effects. Pines can be used for windbreaks, but because they ten...
Post a Comment
Read more