Crabgrass is a pesky weed—with the ability to continue growing spring through fall. It produces hundreds of thousands of seeds, which won’t germinate until the following season. The best way to combat crabgrass is to thwart its future development. If you’ve invested in grass seeding and want to ensure your lawn looks its best, here are some do’s and don’ts for keeping crabgrass at bay.

Do:

Control the spread of seeds.

Should you spot crabgrass in your lawn, use a rake to comb it over, and then use a grass catcher while mowing. This will minimize the spread of seeds until you’ve removed the weeds. You can also kill the plants using a weed control agent, but be sure to remove the weed afterward.

Reseed bare areas.

Exposed soil can allow weeds to thrive, so if you’re due for grass seeding, concentrate on any bare areas. Ideally, grass seeding in bare areas should be done in the early fall. You can also use a preemergent product at this time to keep future weeds from developing.

Don’t:

Mow too low.

A neat, carefully clipped lawn may look nice, but it can also provide the perfect breeding ground for crabgrass and other weeds. Taller grass keeps the soil well-shaded, thereby thwarting weed growth. Aim to mow at one of the top two settings on your mower.

Water your lawn daily.

Daily watering keeps soil moist, which allows for crabgrass to flourish. Watering your lawn deeply yet infrequently can encourage your grass to build stronger roots, which may help push out any weeds. Aim to water your lawn to a depth of 6 to 8 inches about once or twice a week.

For a fresh lawn with grass of superior quality, St. Charles County, MO, residents turn to Keeven Bros Sod Company. This trusted source has been providing locals with leading varieties, including zoysia, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass, since 1953. They can also assist with grass seeding with innovative hydroseeding and straw seeding methods. Explore their full range of products and services online, or call (636) 240-4900 to speak with a team member.