The blades may have a white strip running down the center. [2] X Research source If the blades have a dark green color, then you may be dealing with tall fescue rather than crabgrass. If the grass looks dark blue-green, then it could be quackgrass. [3] X Research source
If the grass grows straight up in one area rather than spreading out, you may have quackgrass in your yard instead. [7] X Research source
Young quackgrass could also look hairy when it’s starting to grow, but it grows earlier in the spring than crabgrass.
Bermudagrass and goosegrass have similar-looking flowering stems, but all of the spikes grow from the same place on the stem rather than apart.
Tall fescue and quackgrass have similar appearances to crabgrass, but they’re perennial plants that will survive throughout the winter. [13] X Research source
Try not to disturb the soil near the crabgrass, or it may damage the other turf growing around it.
Try Ortho Weed Be Gon, Roundup for Lawns, or Tenacity herbicide for your crabgrass. [16] X Research source Be careful not to overspray the herbicides since it could damage or kill the surrounding turfgrass.
Make sure to apply the apply it when it’s dry. Not after or before it rains. Try Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer, Southern Ag Atrazine Weed Killer, or Preen Weed Preventer. [19] X Research source Avoid applying pre-emergent herbicides if you plan on planting new grass seeds within the month since they could kill the new seedlings. Use a post-emergent herbicide to help control any crabgrass seedlings that the pre-emergent spray missed.
Bentgrass, bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are all great options for growing in the fall.
Avoid fertilizing in the spring or summer since it will weaken your turf’s roots and stress out your grass.
Put a piece of landscaping fabric underneath the mulch for an extra layer of protection from crabgrass.
Only cut a third of your turf’s height every time you mow, or else it could stress out your lawn. You may need to mow your lawn once or twice a week depending on how fast your grass grows.
Light, frequent watering weakens the roots of your lawn so it’s easier for crabgrass to grow in.
