Identification
Crabgrass gets its common name from its sprawling, low-growing and mat-like appearance, with stems that radiate from a central point that resemble crab legs. Smooth and hairy crabgrass differ slightly in their appearance. Smooth crabgrass has flat, wide and hairless leaves with wide blades and seed heads that develop in finger-like clusters. Hairy crabgrass has raised hairs along its stems, leaves and seed heads and resembles tiny fingers.
Life Cycle
Crabgrass is an annual grass that reproduces solely by seed. Its life cycle begins with seeds that germinate as soil temperatures rise in early spring. Throughout the summer, crabgrass grows vigorously, producing seed heads that can contain hundreds of seeds per plant. As temperatures cool in the fall, crabgrass plants die off but produces seeds for the next growing season, perpetuating its life cycle.
Distribution & Habitat
Crabgrass grows in a variety of habitats, thriving in warm climates across the world. It is commonly found in lawns, gardens, on roadsides and in disturbed areas. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Once established, crabgrass can spread rapidly, especially in areas with compacted soil or poor drainage.
Damage & Symptoms
The presence of crabgrass can lead to several issues in lawns. Its dense growth habit competes with desirable lawn grasses for sunlight, water and nutrients. This results in bare spots and thinning turf. Crabgrass grows in clumps of thick, coarse grass with distinctive seed heads, detracting from the overall appearance of lawns.
Management & Control
Managing and controlling crabgrass is best achieved using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. Cultural practices such as proper mowing, watering and fertilization can help promote a healthy lawn and make it less vulnerable to crabgrass. Mowing the lawn at the appropriate height can also prevent crabgrass seed heads from forming and spreading seeds. For existing crabgrass, post-emergent herbicides can be applied, targeting the weed while sparing desired lawn grasses.
Prevention
Preventing crabgrass begins with maintaining a healthy lawn. Mowing the lawn at the appropriate height and frequency can help to shade the soil and reduce the potential for crabgrass seed germination. Adequate watering and soil aeration can help create an environment discouraging weed growth. Overseeding bare spots in the fall with quality grass seed can also help fill in gaps and prevent crabgrass from taking hold. In early spring, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to inhibit crabgrass seed germination before soil temperatures rise.
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