ANNUAL GRASSY WEEDS

 During the generally hot and dry conditions of summer, annual grass weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, and goose grass are actually better suited to grow here than are the desirable turf grasses. Unfortunately, these annual weed grasses benefit from good fertility and proper watering just as the desirable turf grasses do. By the latter half of the summer, virtually every lawn in this area will have some of these grass weeds establish themselves . This is especially true for lawn areas over seeded in the spring, and any lawn areas that are otherwise weak or thin.

Maximum control of annual grass weeds is usually achieved on thick, established lawns after 2-3 consecutive years of pre-emergent herbicide applications. For those lawns that experience a significant recurring crabgrass problem, Agro-Lawn offers an optional second pre-emergent herbicide application This application should be made 4-6 weeks after the initial spring treatment.

The amount of annual grass weeds that eventually establish in the lawn will vary from year to year depending on weather and the cultural practices of the lawn's caretaker. Extended drought and high temperatures, and also periods of excessive rainfall will adversely affect crabgrass control. Also, just one single scalping (cutting less than 2") during the summer months will compromise control as the competitive capability of the desirable turf grasses are reduced. During the summer, control will be enhanced by maintaining a cutting height of 3" or more, and making sure the lawn gets properly watered.

 Sometimes, it may be desirable to make an application of a post-emergent crabgrass control product in the late summer. This application should only be necessary if the crabgrass is so densely established that it will interfere with the results of seeding being done in the fall. Post-emergent crabgrass control products have a high potential for injury to desirable grasses, and the crabgrass may not actually be killed. All grasses in areas sprayed will usually turn yellow and the crabgrass may actually recover first. The benefits of using such products are that crabgrass seed production and competitive capability will be reduced. Customer cooperation regarding cutting and watering is necessary to minimize turf injury.

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Tel: 703-938-8844 Fax: 703-938-4187
Postal Address: P.O. Box 603, Vienna, VA. 22183.

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