Is Your Mississippi Lawn Overrun? 4 Crabgrass Control Tips That Actually Work

Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes…and lawn weeds! Okay, that’s not really how the saying goes, but it feels like it sometimes. Aggressive weeds seem to just keep coming back, sometimes even despite your best efforts to control them.

One of the persistent weeds that we deal with often here in Tupelo, Oxford, and New Albany, MS, is crabgrass. Crabgrass control can be challenging because it is such a prolific seeder.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can fight back against this grassy weed.

Jump to Section

• What Is Crabgrass?
• Why Is Crabgrass So Hard to Kill?
• Can You Prevent Crabgrass From Growing in Lawns?
• What’s the Best Way to Control Crabgrass Without Hurting Grass?
• Do Lawn Care Programs Control Crabgrass?
• Choosing Professional Crabgrass Control

In this article, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about crabgrass control.

We’ll also share our four steps to crabgrass success at the end, which include:

1. Focus on crabgrass prevention
2. Knock down breakthrough with post-emergent products
3. Practice best lawn care habits to promote healthy turf
4. Invest in professional crabgrass control

Usually crabgrass control fails because homeowners are only doing one or two of those things. But a multifaceted approach like this will finally have you getting rid of this pesky weed.

What Is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a common grassy weed that frequently pops up in lawns in our region. It begins germinating in the soil in spring, and if left unchecked, it usually really kicks into high gear in June and July.

This weed looks like a coarse clump of grass that tends to stick out from your lawn because it grows taller and faster. It’s also typically lighter in color than the rest of your lawn and may appear yellowish-greenish.

Crabgrass loves thin lawn areas, and once crabgrass gets thick and strong, it can actually start to outcompete your lawn. It leaves bare areas in its path that you have to fix later, or else they are continually vulnerable to crabgrass.

Just like any other weed, people tend to hate crabgrass because it is an eyesore. As we mentioned, crabgrass can really stick out from the lawn due to commonly growing taller than the surrounding grass.

But the other major problem with crabgrass is that it can start to choke out your healthy turf. You do not want your healthy grass to be crowded out by crabgrass. Plus, it can leave bare spots behind.

When mature crabgrass dies, it leaves behind bare spots where it was growing. Now, these bare spots can become eyesores. And, they’ll be a prime location for more weeds to creep in. This is how homeowners get stuck in a never-ending cycle of problems.

These are all reasons why it’s important to implement effective crabgrass control.

Why Is Crabgrass So Hard to Kill?

One of the reasons why crabgrass is so hated is that it is so hard to get rid of!

Homeowners have said they feel like they’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of dealing with this pesky weed.

There are a few reasons why crabgrass control can be challenging.

Crabgrass is a prolific seeder: a single plant can produce 75,000 to 100,000 seeds. These will lie dormant in the soil until the ideal timing for germination occurs. That means that crabgrass can just keep coming back, even despite your best efforts to control it.

Crabgrass is an aggressive grower (and spreader): Crabgrass will also grow rapidly after germination. It can reach maturity in just a few weeks. It can quickly start to overtake grass, growing in large and dense mats across the lawn.

Crabgrass can survive (and thrive) in tough conditions: Another reason that crabgrass can be tough to control is that it is well-adapted to tough conditions. Crabgrass will thrive in areas of the lawn where it’s challenging for healthy grass to grow (like dry, hot, and compacted soil).

Crabgrass is resistant to typical, broadleaf killers: It will require pre-emergent and post-emergent controls that specifically target it.

Can You Prevent Crabgrass From Growing in Lawns?

Yes, crabgrass prevention is achievable.

In fact, weed control programs that are focused on preventative approaches as much as possible are a lot more successful at controlling weeds.

Crabgrass prevention involves the use of a crabgrass pre-emergent product that will stop crabgrass from germinating.

Crabgrass pre-emergent works by dissolving and forming a thin barrier at the soil surface, intercepting germinating crabgrass seeds. When the germinating seed comes into contact with the product, it stops growing. This prevents much crabgrass from developing in the first place.

Since crabgrass can be so difficult to get under control after it has germinated, we definitely stress the importance of crabgrass prevention with pre-emergent products.

But because these products work by inhibiting germination, they must be applied PRIOR to germination occurring. If this window is missed, you’ll have to shift entirely to a crabgrass control strategy using post-emergent products.

What’s the Best Way to Control Crabgrass Without Hurting Grass?

The best way to control crabgrass without harming the lawn is to focus on crabgrass prevention and prevent germination in the first place. But there will always be some breakthrough, even when pre-emergent products are applied on time.

For breakthroughs (or if the window for pre-emergents was missed), post-emergent crabgrass controls will be adequate.

Do Lawn Care Programs Control Crabgrass?

Yes, crabgrass control should be part of a complete lawn care program. But the most effective crabgrass control strategy is multifaceted, combining weed control products with cultural best practices.

Here are our tips for what really works to control crabgrass.

#1: Focus on crabgrass prevention

Because crabgrass is so aggressive and hard to get rid of, the best crabgrass control starts with prevention. That means using pre-emergent products that form a barrier and prevent crabgrass from germinating in the first place.

This will help take care of a lot of your crabgrass.

#2: Knock down breakthrough with post-emergent products

Pre-emergent products are highly effective, but there will always be some breakthroughs.

Breaks in the pre-emergent barrier such as those caused by mowing/trimming, digging, dryness or cracking, or excessive rainfall can lead to breakthrough crabgrass growth.

You can use post-emergents on any crabgrass that has still germinated and grown.

#3: Practice best lawn care habits to promote healthy turf

Your lawn care habits can also play a significant role in how much crabgrass grows in your lawn.

Here are some best practices to implement.

• Mow your lawn properly! When you cut the lawn too short, you put it under stress. A stressed-out and thin lawn is going to be more likely to be invaded than a healthy and thriving lawn.
• Water your lawn in the summer to keep turf from weakening and thinning. When grass is thick, it can choke out unwanted crabgrass.
• Don’t scalp the edges of your walkways or driveways when trimming. Scalped edges are one of the most common places for crabgrass to creep in. As we’ve mentioned, crabgrass can survive in hot, dry, and compacted soil.
• Maintain a thick lawn with a full lawn care program that includes important services like fertilization. The denser and healthier your turf is, the better it will stand up against weeds.

#4: Invest in professional crabgrass control

Having the most success with crabgrass control comes down to bringing in a professional. They will have access to the best weed control products and also be able to implement other lawn care services that help promote a thick and healthy lawn.

You don’t have to tackle crabgrass on your own. When you have a pro on your side, you’ll gain valuable peace of mind.

Choosing Professional Crabgrass Control

When trying to tackle tough weeds like crabgrass, you should never feel ashamed to hire a professional. You’re going to see a lot more success when you choose professional crabgrass control.

The truth is, in general, lawn care can be a lot to take on. We completely understand. Whether you’re at your first home or your third, handling your lawn care alone can take up a lot of time you don’t have.

That’s why partnering with a pro makes a lot of sense.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we are here to help. We can not only take over your crabgrass control but also handle your other lawn care needs. In the process, we’ll take the stress and burden off your plate.

Ultimately, we care deeply about ensuring our customers are happy. One of the reasons we love the work we do is that we thoroughly enjoy helping homeowners make the most of their properties.

We understand that problems like crabgrass can be incredibly frustrating. But we’ll help set you up for success.

Ready to learn why Lawn & Pest Solutions could be your choice for weed control services in North MS? We’re excited to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can create a customized plan that's perfect for you and your lawn.