Crabgrass is an annual weed. It dies every fall and comes back from seed every spring. That is why the best way to control it is to stop the seeds from sprouting in the first place with a pre-emergent treatment.

Timing is everything

Crabgrass seed starts to germinate when soil temperatures stay around 55°F for several days. In Bucks County, Montgomery County and Mercer County that is usually some time in spring. A good rule of thumb many lawn pros use: apply pre-emergent around the time the forsythia bushes are in bloom.

Why late is a problem

A pre-emergent only works on seeds that have not sprouted yet. Once crabgrass is up and growing, a different treatment is needed, and it is much harder to control.

Help your lawn fight back

• Mow tall, around 3 to 3.5 inches, to shade the soil
• Fill thin spots with aeration and overseeding in the fall
• Feed the lawn on a regular schedule so the grass stays thick

Pre-emergent crabgrass control is part of our weed control and lawn fertilization program.