Washington Co., WI – Every year, crabgrass is a problem, even with pre-emergent crabgrass control applied in Spring. This is a point of frustration for Turf & Tree Worx and the homeowners. This year, crabgrass is a significant problem.
Crabgrass beyond minor courtesy spraying should be addressed between approximately mid-July and mid-September. If it is not treated, it will turn purple, then brown, and die off in September.
When it does, it reseeds itself and comes back worse the following season. Your lawn will also be brown and unsightly for the remainder of the season, where crabgrass died off.
If you have crabgrass and would like a quote for treating it, please call Turf & Tree Worx or email to expedite your next visit to quote and treat your crabgrass.
The best defense against weeds and especially crabgrass is to mow high, 3″ to 3.75″ for June, July, and August. Mowing higher keeps the soil cooler, which works with the pre-emergent, as well as helping to keep the lawn from drying out. A thick, dense stand of turf is the best defense.
September is the best time to seed thin areas and take steps to thicken up the lawn to prevent/minimize the same thing from happening next year.
If nothing changes, crabgrass will most likely appear again next season, regardless of timing, product, or service provider.