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Crabgrass Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

Crabgrass Identification Guide

What Is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is one of the most common grassy weeds found in lawns. It’s so widespread that people often refer to various types of grassy weeds as “crabgrass,” even when they’re not the same.

Proper identification is key to effectively controlling crabgrass in your lawn. Knowing what it looks like will help you take quick and targeted action.

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Appearance

What Does Crabgrass Look Like?

While crabgrass may initially resemble your lawn grass, it has distinct characteristics that set it apart upon closer inspection:

  • Newly sprouted crabgrass appears light green, often lighter than your turfgrass, but it can turn a darker, dull green as it matures.
  • The leaves of crabgrass are broader compared to typical grass blades.
  • Crabgrass grows in low, spreading "clumps" rather than evenly.
  • Its stems grow laterally, extending outward instead of upward like regular grass. This outward growth pattern resembles crab legs radiating from the center of the plant, which is how the weed gets its name.

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For detailed instructions on how and when to apply effective crabgrass treatments, check out our How to Get Rid of Crabgrass guide.

Crabgrass Inspection Guide

Focus on Key Areas at the Right Time

Although crabgrass can seem to appear everywhere, it thrives in specific areas of your lawn and during particular times of the year. Inspecting your lawn in the right spots and at the proper times will help you target crabgrass early and treat it efficiently for effective control.

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Step1 Check the Right Spots

Where Does Crabgrass Thrive?

Crabgrass grows best in areas with full sunlight, as its seedlings require ample sun to sprout and thrive. It is unlikely to grow in shaded areas, so concentrate your inspections and treatments on spots that receive plenty of direct sunlight and minimal shade.

Step2 Inspect in Mid-Spring

Crabgrass seeds start to germinate in early spring and begin growing actively by mid-spring. If you spot full-sized grassy weeds in early spring, they are likely a different type of weed, not crabgrass.

Crabgrass truly thrives during the summer heat, becoming much more noticeable at this time. In cool-season lawns, grass growth slows in the high summer temperatures, making crabgrass stand out even more in your turf.

How to Eliminate Crabgrass

Use Effective Crabgrass Control Products

Crabgrass is an unsightly, outward-spreading weed that no one wants to see in their lawn. Fortunately, you can take charge by learning how to prevent crabgrass from growing and eliminate it once it appears.

Preventing crabgrass starts with the correct use of pre-emergent herbicides to stop its seeds from germinating. If crabgrass has already taken hold, post-emergent herbicides or targeted weed killers can be applied directly to the growing weeds to control them effectively.

Read on to discover the step-by-step process for preventing and treating crabgrass, along with professional-grade product recommendations from our team of lawn care experts to keep your lawn looking its best.

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Step1 Pre-Emergent Weed Control

How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide Preventers

Pre-emergent crabgrass preventers stop crabgrass seeds from sprouting by targeting them before they grow above ground. Proper timing of the application is essential for effective control.

To work effectively, pre-emergent herbicides must be applied to the soil before crabgrass seeds begin to germinate. This typically happens when soil temperatures reach around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While this is usually in early spring, the exact timing can vary depending on your location. Contact your local extension office for advice on the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicides in your area.

Steps for Effective Use:

  1. Choose a product specifically labeled for crabgrass control.
  2. Follow label instructions carefully. Many products require watering-in to activate and may include tips for keeping your lawn healthy while ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Reading and adhering to the product label is critical for achieving the best results.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Step2 Apply a Post-Emergent Crabgrass Herbicide

If crabgrass has already sprouted in your lawn, you’ll need to use a post-emergent herbicide to eliminate it. Follow these tips to achieve the best results:

  • Treat early: Apply the herbicide when crabgrass is young and actively growing, as smaller plants are much easier to control. Once the crabgrass matures (typically by mid-July), it becomes significantly harder to kill.
  • Prepare the area: Some herbicides require watering the lawn before application to prevent damage to your grass. Always refer to the product label for specific instructions.
  • Use additives if needed: Depending on the product, you may need to mix in a surfactant or methylated seed oil (MSO) to improve the herbicide’s effectiveness.
  • Timing is key: Avoid mowing just before or after application unless the product label advises otherwise.
  • Avoid stress conditions: Do not apply herbicides when your lawn is stressed due to drought, dry conditions, or when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carefully read the product label to ensure it’s safe for your specific lawn type and to follow all usage instructions for optimal control.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Crabgrass Treatment Infographic

(Click to Enlarge)

Crabgrass Prevention Guide

Crabgrass Prevention and Lawn Care

Preventing crabgrass can be achieved by applying a pre-emergent herbicide at the right time and following effective lawn care practices. Combining these two strategies will help keep your lawn healthy and crabgrass-free.

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Step1 Apply a Crabgrass Preventer (Pre-Emergent Herbicide)

How to Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent crabgrass preventers stop crabgrass before it grows by targeting seeds before they sprout above ground. Timing is critical—knowing when to apply the preventer is key to success.

Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before crabgrass seeds germinate, which typically happens when soil temperatures reach 55°F. The exact timing will vary based on your location, so consult your local extension office for advice specific to your area.

  • Select a product specifically labeled for crabgrass control.
  • Carefully read and follow all label directions. Many pre-emergent products require watering after application and may include additional guidelines for optimal performance.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Step2 Proper Lawn Maintenance

Crabgrass seeds rely on sunlight to grow and thrive. Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn will block sunlight from reaching these seeds, preventing them from germinating and taking hold. Follow these key lawn maintenance practices to keep your grass lush and strong:

  • Mowing Correctly: Maintain a higher grass height of 2 to 2.5 inches. Remove no more than 1/3 of the grass height with each mow to avoid stressing the lawn. This may require mowing more frequently to keep the desired height.
  • Effective Irrigation: Water your lawn deeply but less frequently. This method encourages deep root growth, which strengthens the grass and enhances its resilience.
  • Proper Fertilization: Fertilize according to your lawn’s needs, following a seasonal lawn care schedule for cool- or warm-season grasses. Be sure to avoid both over-fertilization and under-fertilization.

By maintaining these practices, you can ensure a healthier lawn that naturally resists crabgrass and other weeds.

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