Crabgrass is a common weed that can wreak havoc on your lawn in Colorado. It's an annual plant characterized by its low-growing habit and wide, flat blades resembling crab legs. To effectively control this pesky invader, you should implement both pre- and post-emergent treatments. Pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil to prevent new seeds from sprouting, while post-emergents target existing weeds. However, it's best to hire professionals for these treatments because they know how to apply them correctly and when to do so for optimal results.

What does crabgrass look like?

Green crabgrass weed in Grand Junction, CO.

Crabgrass is an invasive weed commonly found in lawns across Colorado. Recognizing this troublesome plant early on is key to preventing it from taking over your yard. Crabgrass has distinct features that make it easy to identify:

  • Leaves: The leaves of crabgrass are broad and flat, with pointed tips. They grow opposite each other along the stem and form dense clusters near the base.
  • Color: Crabgrass is typically light green or bluish-green in color, making it stand out against darker grass varieties.
  • Growth Habit: This weed grows close to the ground, forming thick mats as it spreads horizontally through stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (underground stems).
  • Seed Heads: In late summer, crabgrass produces seed heads consisting of several spikelets arranged in finger-like projections at the top of the plant.
Each crabgrass plant can produce thousands of seeds per season!

You can control crabgrass through a combination of pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments.

Controlling crabgrass requires a multi-faceted approach involving both pre- and post-emergent herbicide treatments. These two types of products work together to provide comprehensive protection against this persistent weed.

Pre-emergent herbicides act as a preventive measure, stopping crabgrass before it even has a chance to sprout. When applied properly, these chemicals form a protective barrier in the soil, inhibiting newly sprouted seedlings from breaking through the surface. By targeting crabgrass during its earliest stages of development, you significantly reduce the number of mature plants that will emerge later in the growing season.

Post-emergent herbicides are designed to eliminate established crabgrass. Unlike pre-emergents, which focus on prevention, post-emergents directly attack existing weeds. These herbicides contain active ingredients that penetrate the leaf tissue, killing the entire plant down to the root system. Applying post-emergents allows you to address any remaining crabgrass infestations after implementing pre-emergent measures.

Hire Professionals to Control Crabgrass on Your Lawn

While DIY methods may seem tempting, hiring professionals to handle crabgrass control offers numerous advantages. Professionals possess extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with various types of weeds, including crabgrass. Here's why entrusting experts with your lawn care needs is beneficial:

  • Accurate Identification: Professionals have keen eyes trained to spot different weed species accurately. This ensures proper identification and targeted treatment specific to crabgrass.
  • Effective Application Techniques: Experts understand the correct application rates and timing required for maximum effectiveness. They also use specialized equipment to ensure uniform coverage across your entire lawn.
  • Access to High-Quality Products: Lawn care companies often have access to professional-grade herbicides not available to consumers. These potent formulations offer superior results compared to store-bought options.
  • Comprehensive Lawn Care Programs: Many companies offer integrated programs that include regular maintenance visits throughout the year. This proactive approach helps keep crabgrass and other weeds under control consistently.

Give us a call today to schedule our weed control service!

If you want to keep your property free of crabgrass and other weeds, we are the team to turn to! At Mesa Turf Masters, a reliable weed control service is offered that includes multiple applications throughout the year to ensure your lawn remains free of nutrient-stealing weeds! What's more, this program also includes fertilization treatments to provide your turf with the nutrients that it needs to thrive. Our services are offered to property owners in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, CO, and throughout the surrounding areas. Don’t let weeds ruin the beauty of your lawn—give us a call today at (970) 434-5440 to schedule our top-notch weed control service!