Spring is a time for many things and one of those is the early battle with weeds and the prevention of crabgrass. Utah has the perfect climate for Crabgrass to grow and spread throughout the Spring and Summer. At Green Castle Lawn Care and Pest Control we offer Utah home owners the peace of mind when dealing with these pesky annoyances and help you keep your lawn healthy and beautiful all year long.
What is Crabgrass?
First off, Crabgrass is actually a weed. It’s an annual weed that sprouts in the Spring and Summer and is especially abundant during Utah summers. Crabgrass feeds on warm and hot temperatures found in the Wasatch area. You’ll recognize Crabgrass by its yellow green color and wide, short leaves. Crabgrass usually grows sideways and has a star like shape. Crabgrass is especially annoying to Utah home owners as it is a visible eye sore in your otherwise beautiful lawn. Crabgrass will die in the winter but can leave dark spots in your lawn. Just because the Crabgrass appears to die in the winter, it still leaves seeds that will germinate and sprout again the following Spring. Crabgrass can also spread if not prevented with a pre-emergent or treated with a post emergent.
What does Crabgrass do to my lawn?
The biggest problem we get from Utah home owners is crabgrass looks terrible and it can easily spread if not treated quickly. Crabgrass can also crowd out the desirable grass underneath it and cause your lawn to have bare spots.
Why is Crabgrass growing in my lawn?
Crabgrass can grow for several reasons in Utah lawns. Below is a list of the most common reasons for Crabgrass growth in your lawn.
- Weather – Utah’s rainy spring and hot summer is the perfect breeding ground for Crabgrass.
- Bare Spots – Crabgrass loves bare spots and sunlight. Make sure you reseed any bare spots in your lawn.
- Too Much Watering – Utah is generally a dry climate. By overwatering your yard, you encourage Crabgrass seeds to germinate and spread.
- Grass Height – By mowing your yard too short, Crabgrass seeds tend to come into contact with soil, creating the perfect breeding ground for Crabgrass. Homeowners in Utah should mow their lawns from 2-2.5 inches in the Spring and Fall and 3-3.5 inches in the Summer. Mowing your lawn at these recommended heights will reduce the Crabgrass seeds from germinating.
How Can I Get Rid of It?
Keeping a properly maintained lawn and landscape is the best way to reduce the germination and spread of Crabgrass. At Green Castle Lawn Care and Pest Control we offer a six-treatment lawn care program which includes the application of pre-emergence and post emergence to help you maintain your lawn all year long. By using our lawn care program, you will reduce the opportunity for Crabgrass to grow and help you maintain a frustration free lawn.