The best pre-emergent crabgrass preventer really depends upon your grass variety, and how you care for your turf. What does a ‘best’ mean? It’s a question many people ask when they are trying to grow an aggressive weed in spring, or when crabgrass seedlings are appearing. Below you will find information on several popular types of presenters, and tips on how you should choose the right one for your situation.
The St. Augustine weed is one of the easiest of crabgrass invasions to manage. It consists of tenacity turf herbicide, enough so that you may pass the head of an average hand-brush, along with thick dead weeds, with considerable yard space. This is typically a dormant weed killer product that aids plan spring growth, but that’s not always true. It can also kill certain grasses in the fall, which can make them uninvitable to seed in the next year. A good pre emergent Crabgrass Preventer generally contains some tenacity turf herbicide, along with an insecticide to target the crabgrass eggs that are hatched. Some products are even available with an additional natural ingredient to help slow the crabgrass growth cycle.
An ‘infall’ fertilizer containing copper salts is one of the best pre-emergent crabgrass preventer products on the market. It works well to control crabgrass growth after it has appeared. The copper ions in the salt form inhibit the crab grass’ metabolism, while adding nutrients to the soil in the process. Some folks prefer to make their own post-emergent herbicide treatment using a tablespoon of each of salt, baking soda and water. You may need to add extra, for more rapid results.
If you’re having trouble getting any crab grass treatment through the ground, ask question and consult with local extension services or your county extension office. They’ll tell you about what crabgrass applications are available based on your area. In many cases, your primary concern might be weeds. For example, if your yard is plagued by dandelions or other pesky weeds in the summer, your crabgrass prevention strategy may include adding bentonite clay to the soil, while treating the lawn just as you would in the winter, when the weeds are gone.
There are lots of ways to get the best crabgrass herbicide on the market. You can talk to extension experts who can answer questions. You can search online, go to your local garden center or ask a question at your local home improvement store or nursery. You can buy it directly from a grower or order it in bulk from an online supplier. It’s best to check with your local extension office, because they can give you the most up-to-date information on herbicide applications.
The best crabgrass preventers are sold in bundles that contain both baits and turf builders. They usually cost less than one dollar per bag. Be sure to include the turf builder as part of your bundle; you’ll need it to apply the bait as well as to mow the grass once it starts to sprout.
With a bundle like that, you only have to purchase the bait two to three times each year, rather than every six months as is often necessary with loose fertilizer. You may also choose to add a weed killer right before using the turf builder. Be sure to ask question about the concentration of the weed killer; if it’s too strong, it will kill the crabgrass growth as well as the weeds below it. You don’t want to waste time and money on a weed killer that will kill your crabgrass growth as well as the healthy grass beneath it.
To maintain the best pre-emergent crabgrass prevention, be sure to regularly mow the lawn after spreading the crabgrass and use the best turf builder as described above. Mow high and use short gasters. The shorter the blades, the more quickly and effectively the weed killer will do its job. Mow for at least one week before beginning the second cycle of application of the weed killer. Primesource Meso 4 Sc should be used as directed in the pesticide container.
