How do you keep crabgrass from coming back?

Answer 1

Crabgrass can be very annoying and can turn a perfectly fine lawn into a disaster if not treated immediately. There are several options for crabgrass removal.

First option: If the crabgrass is localized to few areas of the lawn they do sell sprays that will destroy ONLY crabgrass. Bayer makes a very good crabgrass spray that you will be able to pick up at a Home Depot or Lowe's. Once the problem grass is gone, you can spot seed and get real grass back.

Second option: Once again, if the crabgrass is localized to few areas of the lawn to may be able to just pull the crabgrass out by hand. A little more labor intensive, but will save you a few bucks. Once problem grass is gone, just spot seed. Also make sure if you are spot seeding that you scratch the dirt up a bit on the areas you are seeding. Once seed is put down, very gently back-rake the spot ( if the area is tiny you can use your hands to just try to cover the seed with a LITTLE bit of dirt just to hold it in place ). Back-raking is just taking a rake, and putting on its backside. Make sure to water daily. A little bit of peat moss works great for retaining water.

Third option: If the crabgrass has taken over more than half of your lawn, you may need to till the affected areas. After tilling, remove the crabgrass with a grading rake. Then seed the area and start new. This will be the worst case scenario though.

Answer 2

Apply a crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide in the spring. The pre-emergent keeps the crabgrass seed (which is in our soil) from germinating and growing in the lawn. Many home and garden stores (Lowe's, Home Depot) carry crabgrass pre-emergents.

Or, if the crabgrass has already germinated and is growing, apply a product like Crab-E-Rad Plus.