How to Get Rid of Crabgrass and Keep Your Lawn Healthy
If you’ve spotted coarse, light-green weeds creeping across your lawn, you’re likely dealing with crabgrass. This stubborn summer annual is one of the most common lawn care problems homeowners face. It grows quickly, spreads aggressively, and can ruin the look of an otherwise healthy yard. The good news? With the right strategy, you can stop crabgrass before it starts and keep your lawn lush and green.
What is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is a fast-growing annual weed that thrives in hot weather, compacted soil, and thin turf. It usually begins germinating when soil temperatures reach around 55°F (13°C) in spring. Unlike desirable turfgrasses, crabgrass spreads outward in a “crab-like” shape and can produce thousands of seeds per season. Once it takes root, it quickly outcompetes your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Why is Crabgrass a Problem?
Chokes out healthy grass by stealing resources Leaves bare patches in fall when it dies off Returns stronger each year if left untreated Reduces curb appeal by creating uneven, weedy patches
How to Prevent and Control Crabgrass
The most effective crabgrass control plan combines prevention, treatment, and proper lawn care practices:
1. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide
The best way to stop crabgrass is to prevent it from sprouting in the first place. Apply a crabgrass preventer (pre-emergent herbicide) in early spring, before soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F. Once crabgrass germinates, pre-emergents won’t work.
2. Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn
A dense lawn naturally blocks weeds from taking hold. Overseed bare or thin spots, fertilize regularly, and water properly to strengthen your grass.
3. Spot Treat Existing Crabgrass
If crabgrass has already appeared, use a selective post-emergent herbicide designed for broadleaf and grassy weeds. For small patches, hand-pulling can also be effective—just be sure to remove the entire root system.
4. Mow at the Right Height
Set your mower higher (about 3–4 inches for most grasses). Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for crabgrass seeds to germinate.
5. Water Deeply and Infrequently
Avoid frequent, shallow watering. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week. This encourages strong lawn roots and makes your turf more competitive against weeds.
Final Thoughts on Crabgrass Control
Crabgrass may be persistent, but it doesn’t have to win. By combining smart lawn care practices with timely applications of herbicides, you can dramatically reduce crabgrass and keep your lawn looking thick, green, and beautiful all season long.
Pro tip: The earlier you start in spring, the better your results will be. Prevention is always easier than battling an infestation later in the season.