| DCPA [Dacthal] & MSMA & MSMA are preemergents. Which is best for my lawn? Also, is there something i can use to rid the current crabgrass? It has not spread too far yet, and it comes from my neighbor's lawn. Will a row of bricks or some other barrier help prevent the intrusion? thanks, tom |
| Let's start first with some cultural control suggestions. You can dig the crabgrass out. It's labor intensive, but effective, and easy on the environment. If you prefer to use chemical control, just remember that crabgrass germinates January through March, and continues to germinate through the summer. Apply pre-emergents before the end of January and again in late May. You can use the synthetic products you describe, or you might try the organic alternative called WOW. This pre-emergent herbicide, a by-product of corn syrup production, controls controls crabgrass and contains nitrogen fertilizer to nourish your lawn. It is available from Gardens Alive, 5100 Schenley Place, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, ph# 812-537-8650. MSMA is a post-emergent and will help control existing crabgrass. Since crabgrass spreads by seeds and by stolons, it would help if your neighbor kept his lawn mowed so that the plants didn't go to seed. Maybe you can attack this crabgrass problem together and help each other out. Alternately, you can dig a barrier between the lawns to keep the crabgrass from spreading over into your yard. I'd suggest a 12 inch furrow, planted with perennials and mulched with bark or gravel. That way, if the weeds begin to wander,you can quickly spot them and pull them out. If you decide to use chemical controls, be sure to read and follow the label directions. |
