quack/crabgrass?

[legbuh]

Been a pretty hot and dry summer here in MN. I've noticed most lawns, including mine, is getting overtaken by what appears to by quackgrass or crabgrass, but I'm not sure which.

Here's a picture... the grass on the left is the normal (and yes, very dry), the right light green stuff is what I'm worried about...

Can anyone identify it? Either way, it looks like a lot of work to clean things up.

 

[beenthere]

Two things...your crabgrass comes in when the lawn is not real healthy and thick.

Can be prevented by putting down crabgrass killer at just the right time (which is a bit tricky) in early spring (around Easter) when the ground temps are just right.

But next spring is the time that something can be done.

 

[legbuh]

So, it's crabgrass and not quackgrass? I'm hoping so.

I did put down scotts fertilizer/cg killer this spring. But with 2+ acres watering is out of the question. And is a lot of gentle slopes and a LOT of sun.

This August I plan on dethatching, aerating (probably more than normal), then overseeding with a better more sun tollerant seed blend. I'll probably do it again in the spring because our lawn is showing it's age. It's finding a good seed and hoping for rain at the right time that is the biggest factor.

 

[legbuh]

Any ideas on what type of grass is in the picture? Thanks!

 

[lilranch2001]

I am pretty sure it aint Maryjanejuany


:laughing:

 

[oldnslo]

Any ideas on what type of grass is in the picture? Thanks!

Crab grass spreads by sending out runners like crab legs. Typically it is a lower profile grass.

Quack grass grows in bunches and the roots travel under ground and sprout prolifically. Usually grows taller with wider green blades of grass.

From your picture I would venture to say this is quack grass but not 100% sure.

Like beenthere stated best chance for some control is in the spring, but i would also put down some fertilizer late fall to help your lawn get a head start in the spring.

Round-up will kill quack grass roots and all but it will also kill everything else it touches. For reseeding this may be an option to consider also. Spray, wait the prescribed time before reseeding. I think it is 7 days but positive.

good luck draught makes this a challenge

Roy

 

[legbuh]

I am pretty sure it aint Maryjanejuany


:laughing:

Haha... there's enough of that growing in the ditches out here, or at least driving by it looks like it.

 

[bp fick]

Just to be slightly more accurate...

Crabgrass PREVENTER or anti-germination is put down in spring (there is no crabgrass to kill in spring). It also prevents germination of your seed for wanted grasses, just noting.

Crabgrass killer is used to kill more mature crab grass now. Many broad spectrum Weed B Gone type products also contain crabgrass killing agents.

The spring applied preventer products often are "worn out" this late in summer, especially if rain has been frequent. These products often need to be re-applied in early June in order to last through the summer.

Yes, the best way, if possible, to control crabgrass is a super thick lawn which shades the ground. Crabgrass likes full sun and thick grass is "shady" enough to discourage crabgrass.

 

[bjr]

Do you not irrigate your lawn? Water, fertilize, and more Water. bjr

 

[CHDinCT]

I always thought crabgrass came from seed each year. It's an annual type grass that will go to seed in late August and it's those seeds that will germinate next year into a new round of crabgrass. That's why you need to put down the anit-germination agents in the Spring. I'd try a crabgrass killer spray at this point. I've had good luck with the Bayer brand. Seems to stop its growth then cause it to slowly turn yellow and die.