Is your lawn being invaded by crabgrass? Also known as finger-grass and fonio, this invasive grass species is a nuisance for homeowners throughout the country.
You can spend countless hours pulling up the crabgrass, only for it to grow right back in the weeks to follow. So, how can you eliminate crabgrass from your lawn?
It’s important to note that just a single crabgrass plant is capable of producing more than 150,000 seeds per season. Assuming you have multiple plants growing in your yard, they will disperse hundreds of thousands of seeds, compounding the problem if left unaddressed.
Encourage Drainage
You may discover crabgrass growing in areas where water collects. Like other types of invasive grass and weeds, crabgrass prefers wet areas such as this. Therefore, you should check to make sure your lawn has proper drainage.
If water collects at a particular area instead of draining, you are more likely to experience crabgrass. Establish a level grade with a slight decline to encourage water to drain away from your landscape.
Fertilize
Another helpful tip to eliminate and prevent crabgrass is to fertilize your lawn. Some homeowners assume that fertilizer will only strengthen their crabgrass, so they avoid using it.
On the contrary, underfertilized lawns are more susceptible to crabgrass. If you want to keep this invasive grass out of your lawn, use a balanced NPK fertilizer.
Mulch Flowerbeds
You can discourage crabgrass from growing in flowerbeds by applying a thick layer of mulch. Whether it’s bark, pine straw, hay, etc., mulch is a simple and effective tool for keeping invasive weeds such as crabgrass at bay.
Once applied, it creates a barrier over the soil, discouraging weeds from emerging. You may still notice a few stray pieces of crabgrass, but it shouldn’t take over your flowerbed with mulch.
Spot Treat
Depending on where it’s located, you can spot treat crabgrass by spraying it with an herbicide. Alternatively, you can make your own crabgrass-killing herbicide by mixing together vinegar, water and liquid dish soap. Just remember to keep it away from your “good” plants, at it may kill them as well.
Of course, crabgrass will likely go away on its own, regardless of what steps you take to control it. Once the first cold snap hits, it will turn brown and eventually die.
The only problem is that it may take several months before this happens. In the meantime, follow the tips listed above to eliminate invasive crabgrass and regain control of your lawn.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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