Crabgrass is one of the major weed concerns in the southern California area. Crabgrass is a warm season, annual, grassy weed that thrives in hot moist areas and if left unchecked, it can take over large areas of otherwise healthy turf. Seeds germinate in the early spring and grow until the weather cools in the fall. The plant then dies leaving an unsightly brown clump. In late summer, the plant produces large numbers of seeds that are transported by wind, birds, foot traffic, or mowing equipment. Seeds remain dormant until the weather conditions are right for them to germinate and start the process all over again.

There are a few techniques and products that we have in our arsenal to help prevent or combat a Crabgrass invasion on your property.  Proper horticultural and water management practices such as adjusting turf mow height and deep watering turf areas are a couple things we employ on every property to help prevent Crabgrass.  On properties we know have a Crabgrass issue, we also use a “pre-emergent herbicide” in the early spring. This chemical helps prevent the dormant seeds from sprouting, reducing the overall problem.  Lawns that have large infestations of Crabgrass must have it mechanically removed before any restoration can proceed and will benefit greatly from yearly applications of a pre-emergent herbicide to keep the issue from reoccurring.

In our area, results are best if it is applied in the first two weeks of February. If we know that your property is at risk for Crabgrass invasion or has had Crabgrass in the past, we plan to apply this product to your lawns on our regularly scheduled maintenance day.  Please call if you have any questions.