Crabgrass is an annual grass that is prevalent in landscaped and turf grass areas, reproducing by seed. It germinates when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees, often in thin or heat-stressed areas like sidewalks and driveways. Homeowners can control crabgrass through pre-emergent herbicides applied in early spring to prevent germination, or by maintaining a dense, healthy lawn through proper mowing, watering, and avoiding thin areas that allow crabgrass to spread.

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Crabgrass
Crabgrass is one of the most prevalent noxious grasses in ornamental and landscape areas and is a
severe problem in turf grass areas. This common problem grass is annual and reproduces by seed.
Before germination can occur, temperatures in the top half-inch of sol must reach 55 degrees.
Crabgrass problems mainly occur in thin and heat stressed areas. This grass is most commonly
found along drives and sidewalks where heat radiates and stresses your normal turf grass. These
areas need frequent attention when watering to avoid thinning, which allows the crabgrass to
move in.
Chemical Control
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent annual
grassy weeds such as crabgrass, goose grass
and foxtail from germinating. Germination
starts to occur in April so it is very important
to apply your pre-emergent as soon as possible
in early spring for proper crabgrass control.
Non Chemical
Proper lawn care practices to encourage a
dense stand of vigorous grass is the best way
to prevent problem grasses from invading
your lawn. For example, mowing height can
have a major impact; lawns mowed higher
(over 3 inches) tend to have less problems
with annual grasses such as crabgrass. Proper
watering is also important to keep the lawn
healthy, which will prevent thin areas that
crabgrass will rapidly move into.