Gardening

Crabgrass: The Troublemaker In Your Yard

Posted: 4/29/2011

One crabgrass weed can produce more than 150,000 seeds.

(NAPSI)-Crabgrass is one of the most hated weeds around because it’s such a troublemaker.

According to several university extension services, a single weed can produce more than 150,000 seeds that can spread more crabgrass around your lawn, as well as to your neighbors’ lawns.

Seeds germinate in the early spring once the soil temperature reaches about 60 degrees. There are many ways for the crabgrass to spread:

• The wind can spread seeds.

• Your lawn mower can kick up seeds when you cut crabgrass.

• Birds and other animals can carry crabgrass seeds as they move through your yard.

“Crabgrass doesn’t blend into your lawn,” said Lance Walheim, author of “Lawn Care for Dummies” and lawn care expert for Bayer Advanced™. “It stands out because it’s a big clump. Then, it gets bigger and bigger.”

Crabgrass chokes out the good grass. Clumps can grow together. You’ll end up with a big hole in your yard if you try pulling it out.

Attack The Problem Early

It’s easier to attack a crabgrass problem early. Bayer Advanced (www.BayerAdvanced.com) offers two kinds of crabgrass-killing products. All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer kills more than 200 broadleaf weeds plus grassy weeds such as crabgrass. If you have large crabgrass, go for a specialized solution: Crabgrass Killer for Lawns kills even large crabgrass, on certain types of lawns, right to the root. Always read and follow label directions.

There are also a number of things you can do to help prevent crabgrass.

Preventive Measures

• Set your mower’s wheel height to the type of grass you have: A lush, thick lawn is more resistant to crabgrass.

• Fertilize once or twice a year: Strong turf chokes out crabgrass.

• Deep, infrequent watering: Stick a screwdriver eight inches into the soil. If it’s wet, you’ve watered correctly. Consult your local water department for lawn-watering guidelines.

Crabgrass seeds can remain dormant in your lawn for years, so never let a problem get out of hand. If you see crabgrass, go ahead and treat it. It’ll save you time and money later on.

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