From Boston to Cape Cod we love both the crab and grass—but put the two words put together and it is another story. Unsightly in appearance and detrimental to the health of a lawn, crabgrass is the bane of many a lawn lover’s summer. Keep crab as a menu option and keep crabgrass off your lawn with the tips below.
Visually check your lawn for crabgrass that has already established as well as problem areas where it may sprout. Scan your turf for soil that has become compacted. This usually develops where stationary equipment like wheel barrows or BBQ grills are kept as well as commonly used foot paths. Compacted soil reduces the availability of water for desirable grass allowing heartier plants like crabgrass to grow and spread throughout your lawn.
Hand weeding is a biologically friendly and effective tactic for eradicating early infestations of crabgrass. Horticulturist Mike McDonald of Lawn Doctor of Boston, Cape Cod and the South Shore suggests that “Hand weeding after a rainstorm or a watering regiment is a great time to get your hands dirty.” He goes on to explain that, “The moisture in the soil allows roots of problem plants to come free more easily and completely.”
Lawns with more crabgrass infestation may be more efficiently managed with the use of herbicidal products. Make sure to carefully read the instructions on such products. Some herbicides are designed only for direct contact with problem plants, as they indiscriminately kill vegetation. McDonald cautions that, “As a general rule, herbicide shouldn’t be applied before a rain or watering. If applied incorrectly, these products may also negatively impact ground water.”
The best defense against crabgrass is preemptive planning. The same techniques that will make your lawn strong and lush also limits opportunities for problem plants like crabgrass to cultivate. Simply keeping grass long and strong and maintaining soil that promotes irrigation can make sure you won’t feel crabby this time next summer.
As the tips above are general, an expert in lawn care is always the best option for assessing for a lawn’s needs.
Lawn Doctor is focused on working in harmony with the science of nature. Every service is designed to boost natural growth. This goes beyond the use of simple, green products. The company’s proprietary technology allows its lawn professionals to precisely measure and apply the optimum blend of nutrients and weed control – doing the right thing for your lawn and the environment.
A healthy lawn creates oxygen, removes dust and dirt, and filters water passing through its roots leaving pollutants behind and many more benefits. Lawn Doctor of Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod is a local, family owned and operated business serving over 6,000 homeowners in the Greater Boston region. Main offices are located in Hanover, MA.
For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit www.LawnDoctor.com or call 800-831-1319.
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