What will kill crab grass?

What will kill Crabgrass? A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Crabgrass, a type of coarse and invasive grass, can be a nuisance in gardens and lawns. What will kill crab grass effectively and safely? Understanding the different methods to kill crabgrass is essential in controlling its spread. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what will kill crab grass, including herbicides, natural methods, and pre-emergent techniques.

Herbicide Methods

Herbicides are chemical substances designed to kill plants. Choosing the right herbicide for your crabgrass problem is crucial. Here are some common herbicides and how they work:

• **Post-emergent herbicides**: These chemicals target actively growing crabgrass, killing it on the surface. Examples include trimec, dlyem, and dicamba-based products.
• **Selective herbicides**: These products target specific weeds and not desirable grasses or other plants. Examples include glysophate, carfentrazone, and 2,4-D.

Top-performing herbicides

The following herbicides are among the most effective and safe options for killing crabgrass:

Natural Methods

Natural methods offer an eco-friendly alternative for controlling crabgrass:

• Boiling Water Method: Pour boiling water on the crabgrass weed. This method is suitable for small areas and non-electric areas.
• Vinegar-based solutions: Mix 2% white vinegar with 10% water and apply the solution to the weed using a spray bottle. Leave it for 12 hours before rinsing.

**Crabgrass Control with Timing in Mind

Timing is crucial for killing crabgrass. Target young, actively growing weed and apply herbicides, boiling water, or natural methods during the following conditions:

• Pre-tillage: Apply post-emergent herbicides within 2-4 days after crabgrass appearance. This allows the weed to absorb the herbicide quickly.
• Growth stage: Apply before flower stalks emerge from the soil, usually mid-April to early July for northern regions.

**Pre-emergent Methods**

**Pre-emergent control**: Prevent crabgrass germination from growing through surface mulches or granular fertilizers. Apply pre-emergent herbicides about 2-4 weeks before crabgrass germinates, usually late fall (September to November):

**Choose Your Pre-emergent Herbiicides Wisely**

Several pre-emergent herbicides are available in liquid, granular, and seed form. Check local regulations and follow usage rates carefully:

* **Proper usage rates** for granular products:

* Scotts Prevent, 0.67%, 4-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet
* Durabel, 3-4%, 30 pounds per 1,000 square feet

* **Tips for Effective Pre-emergent Application**

* **Weather Considerations**: Apply granules about 2-3 hours before rain or shortly before sprinkling. This minimizes drift and ensures application stickiness.
* **Mowing**: Maintain even cutting heights to prevent unwanted mowing and re-containment.
* **Seed Type and Density**: Avoid placing weed barriers or pre-emergent herbicides during spring or summer, which might damage new seed or fertilizer applications.

**Tips and Precautions**

1. **Always**:
* Read instructions for herbicides and personal protection equipment (PPE)
* Wear safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask), boots, and protective clothing when applying herbicides.
2. **Avoid Directly Applying Herbicides Near Gardens**:
* Water-sensitive plants, fish tanks, or other protected water sources
* Human food, animal foraging areas, or beehives
3. **Check Local Regulations**: Contact local authorities for **recycling and disposal programs for herbicides** in residential waste, as well as application restrictions for nearby habitats

**Conclusion**

Managing crabgrass effectively requires planning and patience. By incorporating both herbicide and natural methods, you can improve crabgrass control and contribute to a healthier, resilient landscape. Remember to target active growth stages, properly prepare soil, and protect environmental resources. With vigilance and the right treatment methods, you can suppress or eliminate crabgrass populations altogether.