When Does Crabgrass Germinate?
Even though crabgrass dies in the fall, the seeds that it disseminates can measure into the thousands and sit idly until they germinate next year, where they can take over your yard and ruin your green lawn. Find out when you can expect crabgrass to germinate.
When Does Crabgrass Germinate?
Crabgrass germinates when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface. It needs to stay this temperature four to five days in a row. You can expect crabgrass seeds to germinate in the early spring until late summer.
How to Handle Crabgrass
Crabgrass spreads quickly and can choke a lawn if left untreated, but it also tells you what you need to do to make your lawn healthier in general.
Prevention
Weeds hate competition, so the best way to prevent crabgrass is to keep your grass healthy.
- Keep your lawn watered sufficiently by watering longer, less frequently.
- Aerate and reseed patchy spots.
- Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp so you don’t harm your grass.
- Check and adjust your lawn’s pH level.
Treatment
- Herbicide: One option to control it is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicide is used before the crabgrass sprouts. If you want to combat already sprouted crabgrass, try using a post-emergent herbicide.
- Corn Gluten: Using corn gluten as an organic option to controlling the crabgrass. You can scatter the corn gluten as a way to stifle the crabgrass so it does not germinate. As with many other organic options, it will not be as fast-acting as using a herbicide.
- Pulling Crabgrass: While it’s not as effective as other options, you can pull crabgrass out by hand. It will not kill the entire plant but may decrease the severity of the infestation.
Crabgrass Problem? Call Green Lawn Fertilizing.
Contact the professionals at Green Lawn Fertilizing to get pesky weeds out of your yard and help get your lawn in tip-top shape. We have the applications and proper ongoing fertilizing treatments to keep crabgrass gone for good. Call us today at 855-469-0692.