Crabgrass - looks like a weed, acts like a weed, but...

We believe the best time for control of crabgrass is in the spring (prior to any crabgrass seed germination) by using a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides form a barrier near the soil surface which the seeds from growing before they emerge. The crabgrass control we use, called "Dimension", will control a minimum of 80% of the crabgrass problem in a lawn. "Dimension" applications must be applied no later than the first week in June, but preferably in mid to late May in our area, before the crabgrass has a chance to germinate and have new plants appearing. However, there is a caution when utilizing this application. While this pre-emergent application does not hurt your established grass, it will kill or stunt any new seed which has been applied or is applied after the spray. We suggest you not over-seed until late summer or early fall if a crabgrass control is done on your property.

If you had a crabgrass problem last year, chances are it will only be worse this year. Usually, if we notice crabgrass is becoming a problem on your property, we'll note it on your invoice or statements and add it to our files to advise you. If you think you have had a crabgrass problem, and its has not been noted, please advise us and we'll check out the situation for you and make recommendations.

There is a post-emergent herbicide on the market which will kill the crabgrass plant after it is growing feverishly, but we've found it to be very price prohibitive. The vast majority of customers are willing to wait until the following spring to bring it under control. We apply Dimension at the same time we apply the first weed control application (it is mixed in the tank) for those customers who order the crabgrass control.