Crabgrass or not? - Knowledgebase Question

MIRA LOMA, CA (Zone 8B)
Avatar for tom_payne
Question by tom_payne
February 15, 2009
Reading the faqs I think I don't have crabgrass but rather St. Agustine. It's big and thick trailers. How do I get rid of it?


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Answer from NGA
February 15, 2009
Crabgrass, St. Augustine and Bermuda are all similar types of grasses and can be controlled in the same ways. These grasses start germinating when soil temperatures are 50 to 55 degrees F for ten or more days and germination can take place over a 6 week period. Pre-emergence herbicides provide excellent weed control for crabgrass but they last only about 30 days. The compound doesn't prevent the weed seed from germinating, but kills the newly sprouted seedling. Late April to early May is an ideal time to apply pre-emergence control. A second application might have keep your lawn a little more crabgrass free. At this point, you might want to try raking it out or hand pulling. Next spring use the pre-emergent again, reapplying in 30 days. That should keep the crabgrass under control. Proper lawn maintenance practices can limit crabgrass invasions. A dense stand of turfgrass prevents the weed from germinating and establishing. Fertilize at the end of May and remember that fall fertilizing, overseeding, aeration and thatch control can also limit spring problems. Best wishes with your lawn.

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