Clint Waltz, turfgrass extension specialist with UGA Cooperative Extension, spoke with House Beautiful about ways to get rid of crabgrass.
“Crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed that has a different texture and color than desirable grasses, so it affects the aesthetics of your lawn,” Waltz said. “From a biological standpoint, it competes with the grasses you do want for light, water, space and nutrients.”
The best bet is to stop crabgrass before it starts.
“Crabgrass is easily controlled using a pre-emergent herbicide,” Waltz said. “You must apply it prior to weed seed germination, but germination is required for it to work.”
Spraying individual plants with a post-emergent herbicide also works if they’re already starting to grow.
To keep lawns their healthiest, Waltz suggests mowing regularly at the proper height, watering deeply and infrequently, and watching for disease and pests.
