Crabgrass: the uninvited guest that loves to crash your perfectly green lawn party. It’s sneaky, it spreads fast, and if you’re not paying attention, it can take over before summer even begins. At Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co., we believe that a great-looking lawn starts with prevention—and it’s never too early to start planning.
Let’s talk strategy for keeping crabgrass out of your yard this season.
What Makes Crabgrass So Tough?
Crabgrass is an annual weed, meaning it dies each year but comes back from seed. Those seeds can lie dormant all winter and then suddenly spring to life when the soil warms up in early spring. The result? A takeover of unsightly patches that crowd out your healthy grass and wreck your curb appeal.
Step One: Stop It Before It Starts
Your best line of defense is a pre-emergent herbicide, applied before the crabgrass seeds germinate. The window for this is usually in early spring—when the soil temperature hits 55°F. That’s often around the time forsythia shrubs bloom, a handy natural indicator.
Make sure to:
- Apply evenly across your lawn
- Water it in so it activates properly
- Avoid disturbing the soil too much after application
Step Two: Build a Strong, Healthy Lawn
Crabgrass thrives in weak spots. Strengthen your lawn to give it the upper hand:
- Mow high: Taller grass shades the soil and keeps crabgrass seeds from getting the sunlight they need.
- Water deeply and less often: Overwatering or frequent light watering encourages shallow roots and weed growth. Let your Suburban Lawn Sprinkler system do the work with perfectly timed watering.
- Feed and seed: Fertilize your lawn and overseed any bare areas. Thick, healthy grass crowds out weeds before they have a chance.
Step Three: Stay Alert
If some crabgrass still shows up (it happens!), spot-treat with a post-emergent herbicide before it goes to seed. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of keeping it from spreading.
Bonus Tip: Prevention Pays Off
Every season you stay ahead of crabgrass, your lawn gets stronger and more weed resistant. A little early-season care saves you from months of frustration in the future.
We’re Here to Help You Win the Lawn Game
At Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co., we’ve been helping homeowners keep their properties looking their best for decades. From automated irrigation systems that take the guesswork out of watering to landscape lighting that highlights your lawn’s best features—we’re your all-seasons partner in outdoor beauty. And yes, we even do holiday lighting when winter rolls around!
Need help setting up your lawn for success this spring? Reach out today at (508) 872-2727—we’ll help you build a strategy that keeps crabgrass in check and your lawn looking great.
