Crabgrass

Crabgrass is one of the most common and aggressive grassy weeds found in lawns, sports turf, and bare soil areas. It thrives during the heat of summer, quickly spreading through thin or stressed turf. Known for its coarse texture and rapid growth, crabgrass competes heavily with desirable grasses and can dominate turf areas if not properly controlled.

How to Identify

Crabgrass is a low-growing, spreading annual grass with light green leaves that are wider than most turfgrass species. It forms clumps that radiate outward like the legs of a crab. The stems are flat, and the seed heads resemble a cluster of fingers or spikes extending from a single point. As the plant matures, it develops a purplish tint at the base and can produce thousands of seeds per season.

Lifecycle

Crabgrass is a summer annual, germinating when soil temperatures reach about 55°F to 60°F in the spring. It grows aggressively through summer and dies with the first frost in fall, leaving behind seeds that overwinter and germinate the following year.

Prevention & Control

Effective crabgrass management starts with applying a pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach germination range in spring. A dense, healthy lawn maintained through proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilization will naturally reduce crabgrass invasion. For existing infestations, selective post-emergent herbicides targeting crabgrass can help restore turf uniformity.