Weed Spot Light: Crabgrass
Organic Lawn Care Tips & Information:
In this article we will inform you about the effect crabgrass will play in your lawn, as well as the organic lawn care solution to crabgrass in your lawn...If you like this article, check out more of our blog posts →
Introduction To Crabgrass:
With the advent of the hot weather in Connecticut as of late, the crabgrass is starting to show itself. It is a warm season grass with seeds germinating when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees for a week or more.
As any Connecticut resident can attest, we’ve certainly had that lately. Crabgrass favors poor soil conditions and acidic, compacted soils. Prime targets include sunny areas over septic tanks, along walks and drives where radiant heat warms the soil.
Crabgrass is very adaptive and can produce seed at mowing heights as low as ½-inch. A single plant is capable of producing 150,000 seeds. Hence, it is difficult to eradicate crabgrass since seeds can lay dormant in the soil for 15-20 years and over time work their way to the surface.
Related: Weed Spot Light: Clover
Organic Lawn Care Weed Control Solution:
In an Organic Lawn Program, our approach is to shift the focus from weed control to changing the underlying soil conditions so good grass wants to grow. We accomplish this by using organic fertilizers, soil amendments, compost, and lime. We are encouraging the build up of organic matter and achieving proper ph levels to maximize nutrient uptake by the grass plants.
Related: Why Organic Lawn Care?
Organic Lawn Care Weed Control Practices:
Also critical are proper cultural practices; proper mowing height, frequency and irrigation are all part of the weed control program that should be in place for a successful organic lawn. Higher mowing helps shade the soil and keep the soil temperatures cooler. It also reduces the light the seeds need to germinate. This is why crabgrass will germinate in areas of your lawn where the turf is thin.
It can’t be overstated: work in the spring and fall when grass is actively growing to establish a dense and healthy stand of turf grass that will crowd out weeds.
Related: Top 10 Organic Lawn Care Tips
Remember: Short Grass Means Shallow Roots and More Weeds
“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man If he spent less time proving he can outwit nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority” -E.B. White
What do you think about crabgrass? Comment below and share your thoughts!
