Now that the summer heat is really hitting, I am getting many of you asking about grassy weeds in the lawn, specifically, crab grass. Crab grass is an annual grassy weed that starts to germinate when soil temps hit around 55 degrees. That usually happens in later spring.

However, you, the homeowner, don’t actually see the crab grass until it breaks ground in mid to later June. At this point, it is pretty much too late to control this bright green spreading weed.

So What Can We Do About Crab Grass?

If you do have crab grass in your lawn and want to get rid of it, the best thing to do is dig it out. I know that sounds harsh, but that is the best bet you have.

Many of you will want to try and spot spray the grab grass with a complete herbicide such as Roundup, and while this will work for sure, it will also surely damage some of your good, healthy turf.

What I do recommend, however, is that you identify the areas that are getting crab grass and heavily seed them with good, fresh bluegrass. You can do that now if you want, just make sure you water consistently all summer. If you do well with the seeding of the good grass, you will effectively “choke out” the crab grass over time.

Then, I highly recommend you apply a crab grass pre-emergent next year in the early spring!

Spring is quickly leaving us, but it is not too late to take my advice and get your lawn prepared for the long hot summer. In case this is your first time here, you will learn that I am a big proponent of hard work on the lawn in the spring. This early hard work can pay off way down the road in leisure time and enjoyment.

So here are your last minute spring lawn tips; do them!

Lawn Aeration

I’ve said it before and I will say it again: “lawn aeration is the most important cultural practice that any home owner can perform.”

Aerating the lawn is basically a process whereby cores of soil are removed from the turf. This “poking of holes” allows air, water and nutrients to get directly into the root zone. It also breaks down thatch and loosens compacted soil. That is VERY important.

Crab Grass Prevention

In many areas of the country, you are right at the bitter end of the time when you can effectively stop crab grass in the lawn this season. But if you live in the Midwest or points north, you can still get down a good application. Since we are a little late (month of May) I recommend you get a crab grass herbicide that is formulated with the brand name “Dimension” which is specially designed to hit crab grass at the first tiller stage. Long story short, this one is meant for you late comers!

Mowing

Lastly, you must continue to mow tall and continue to mow consistently. You cannot afford to let the lawn grow for two weeks or more. At this time of year, you gotta get out and cut weekly if not more. You can do it!

That’s it you late risers! You still have time to make an impact on that little green patch of love you call your lawn!