Crab Grass

[sloooo]

My lawn this last summer went from a little patch of crab grass to about 50% carb grass in about 4 months. I sprayed killer on it the beginning of fall, and it all has turned brown. I read that it will die in colder weather, but when it dies, it re-seeds so when spring gets here and it gets warmer, it will start right back up again. I have a couple questions.

First, what can I put down and at what time of the year to keep the crab grass from re-seeding?

Second is, what would be the proper soil prep and time to seed with new grass?

I live in Redlands, California and spring starts May or early June. This is when the daytime temperature usually stays above 80* for the rest of the spring and summer.

[Bismarck Jack]

Oh Goodie. Can't wait to hear the answers:congrats:

Some people have the magic touch for lush green lawns. I will listen intently.:sheep:

[Ohm1]

Hell, I'm waiting for the answer to this question myself!!

Loving the question, and awaiting to love the answer!:date:

[Mr T]

http://tinyurl.com/324xo7

We got 15" of snow falling in 24 hours with a constant 30mph wind. I really dont wanna hear about your crab gras right now.

[Bismarck Jack]

It was -22 below zero here last night. the good news is that it has warmed up considerably...it's now a balmy -11:tee:

Talking and thinking about summer things (ie crab grass) makes me warm right up. :bandit:

[Bismarck Jack]

Ok all. It was 74 degrees in my little section of North Dakota. Looking forward to making the right decisions on lawn care, so I am resurrecting this thread. Lets get some ideas a flowin. Think I caught a sunburn. LOL

If anyone wants to comment on the best first steps (in spring) to a lush lawn, please respond.

PS The tulips are sprouting already...couldn't believe it. :ciao:

[sloooo]

I went to a nursery and got hooked up. I bought a bag of pre and post-emergent that will not let any new crabgrass grow, and will stop any established crabgrass. The key when to put it on is before the weather hits about 80*. It lasts for about 4 months, so I just put it on my lawn and will do again about the beginning of July. They say to seed as you normally would and make sure you use lots of water. The best way to kill the crabgrass to to have a thick lawn which will hinder it's growth.

[Bismarck Jack]

excellent info!!! Keep em comin!:idea2:

[dala]

Well folks, Its time to take the money back out of the hands of the fat-cat money grubbing chemical companies!!! I live in Fla. and we have real crab grass problems down here. The biggest problem is that the E.P.A. has prohibited sales of the chemicals that seemed to work in defense against this nuisance. We have about 6 types of crabgrass here and sever strains or types are almost impossible to get rid of outside of killing everything in your lawn. Well cheer up!!! Here's a cheap efficient way to rid yourself of established patches of the pest. it is called sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as BAKING SODA. Who would have guessed it. Sprinkle it on the top and it'll kill it out and leave your grass to grow. In a couple of days the crabgrass will turn brown and it will die from the roots. Have fun and be happy. Relief is here!!!

[Bismarck Jack]

Now you tell me. Summer is over. Lawn was OK this year, we had more rain which helped, but all i did was aireate(spelling) and overseed in the spring. Ended up so busy with other stuff. So, baking soda huh? could i just sprinkle that over the whole lawn? the crab grass seems to be so mixed in, that it would be difficult just to hit areas. although, since our first frost, it seems the crab grass died off first. so i can sort of see where it was. the good grass is still green.

But alas, we are 25 degrees overnight here now, so season is definately over once again. hoping for good amounts of snow for the moisture.:shakehands:

[JohnnyVance]

I know this thread is a few months old, but I am new to the forum so I am spending a lot of time searching and reading all the great threads. I just wanted to add one thing about crabgrass I didnt see mentioned...crabgrass is an annual grass and another key to keeping it under control is no NOT mow it in the Fall when it is seeding. When you do that you are spreading little baby crabgrass seeds all over for next year's crop. If you can, go out and pull as many as you can out by the roots and put them in your garbage (not mulch or compost). This task may seem daunting and you dont have to get every last one, but get started on it and keep at it each year and the population will slowly diminish (especially if you can get a thick - healthy lawn going). :fight:

[Bismarck Jack]

First i heard of that! Thanks. :top:

[scuba_dave]

I mow with a bag, then dump everything in a compost area. Fall leaves go over that, haven't had any crabgrass growing over there
Until I'm done with house contruction I haven't worried too much about the Lawn. It's been taking a beating from driving across the lawn to unload construction materials
Hopefully A lot of stuff will be finished up this year
Then I can work on the Lawn & landscaping

Will baking soda kill the grass too?...seems so....
actually depends upon thew grass
St Augustine & Bermuda OK
Kentucky Blue grass - unknown

The grasses in the north rye, fescue, kentuckey blue and bent grass are not tested

more.....2nd source

testing has been done on those grass but it burns the northern turfs


I haven't heard of either product used as a discriminating herbicide. I know that you can pour baking soda in cracks to kill grass and weeds (chiefly due to the salt content) but can't say I could find any reference to an effective use of baking soda that would not kill the grass along with the weeds.

So if someone can Test on their Northern lawn & let me know

[chandld1]

A lot of good answers here, I want to add one more thing.

Pre-emergents create a chemical barrier that prevent the crabgrass seeds from growing, it is basically a chemical shield over your lawn that keeps any thing from breaking through from the bottom. Now the issue with that is grass seed goes throught the same sort of process to grow as does crabgrass. SO the issue is it is hard to seed when you have preemergent down, another item is a lot of people like to rake the seed into the ground to get it going good, that breaks up the chemical barrier and defeats the purpose of preemergent, so you will have some crab grass come up with that new grass. So be careful about that, also slit seeding will also break the barrier some. Best to seed in the fall, it is a bear to do, but take the first year to kill the bad stuff, clover, crabgrass etc. fall to reseed and overseed then the next year it will look good, treat well that year and touch any spots that fall 3rd year it should be a plush green lawn that will keep a lot of the problems away by having good healthy grass!