Seeing crabgrass take over your lawn in the summer can be really frustrating. This guide will show you how to get rid of crabgrass in the summer and get your lawn back on track. The hot, dry conditions that stress your desired grass actually help crabgrass thrive, but with the right approach, you can fight back effectively.
Summer lawn care is all about smart, timely actions. It’s not just about killing weeds; it’s about strengthening your lawn so it can outcompete pests and weeds in the future. Let’s look at the best methods to tackle this common problem.
How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in the Summer
First, it’s important to know your enemy. Crabgrass is an annual weed. It sprouts from seeds each spring, grows aggressively all summer, and dies with the first frost. In summer, you’re dealing with mature plants. They’re tough, but they can be managed.
Manual Removal: The Hands-On Approach
For small patches, pulling by hand is very effective. The key is to get the entire root system. Here’s how to do it right:
- Water First: Water the area lightly the night before. This softens the soil and makes pulling easier.
- Use the Right Tool: A weeding knife or a long-handled claw tool helps you loosen the soil and grip the base of the plant.
- Pull Carefully: Grab the crabgrass at its base, as low to the ground as possible. Gently wiggle and pull straight up to remove the whole root. If the root breaks, the plant will likely regrow.
- Dispose of It: Don’t leave pulled weeds on the lawn. Put them in your yard waste bag to prevent any seeds from spreading.
Using Post-Emergent Herbicides
When crabgrass is widespread, a herbicide might be necessary. In summer, you need a post-emergent type, which kills existing weeds. Look for products with these active ingredients:
- Quinclorac: Excellent for crabgrass and won’t harm most cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue.
- Fenoxaprop: Another good option, but check that it’s safe for your specific grass type.
Important Application Tips:
- Always read and follow the label instructions exactly. This is for your safety and your lawn’s health.
- Apply on a calm, cool day when temperatures are below 85°F to avoid vapor drift and lawn burn.
- Make sure the lawn is not under drought stress. Water it a day or two before applying.
- Do not mow for a few days before or after application.
Spot Treatment vs. Broadcast Spraying
If crabgrass is in isolated patches, use a ready-to-use spray bottle for spot treatment. This minimizes chemical use. For a full-blown infestation, a broadcast spray with a tank sprayer might be needed. Be patient; it can take 1-2 weeks to see the crabgrass die and turn brown.
What NOT to Do in Summer
Avoid non-selective herbicides like glyphosate on your lawn. They will kill everything—grass and weeds. Also, don’t try to use pre-emergent herbicides in summer; those are for preventing seeds from sprouting in spring.
Repairing Bare Spots After Removal
Once the crabgrass is gone, you’ll likely have bare patches. Leaving them empty invites new weeds. Here’s how to repair them:
- Loosen the Soil: Scratch the soil surface in the bare spot with a rake.
- Add Seed: Sprinkle grass seed that matches your existing lawn. Use a bit more seed than recommended for better germination.
- Cover Lightly: Cover the seed with a thin layer of straw or compost to retain moisture and protect birds from eating it.
- Water Frequently: Keep the area consistently moist (not soggy) until the new grass is about 2 inches tall. This is crucial for summer seeding success.
Effective Summer Lawn Care to Prevent Future Problems
Getting rid of crabgrass is only half the battle. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense. Your summer care routine should focus on reducing stress on your grass.
Mowing High: Your Secret Weapon
This is the simplest and most effective practice. Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for crabgrass seeds to germinate. It also encourages deeper roots.
- Set your mower blade to its highest setting, usually 3-4 inches.
- Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Keep your mower blade sharp; a dull blade tears grass, creating entry points for disease.
Smart Watering Practices
Deep, infrequent watering trains your grass roots to grow down, seeking moisture. Crabgrass has shallow roots and prefers frequent, light sprinklings.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. You can measure this with a simple tuna can placed on the lawn.
- Water deeply once or twice a week instead of a little every day.
Fertilizing with Care
Summer is not the time for heavy nitrogen fertilizers on cool-season grasses. They promote top growth when the plant should be conserving energy. If you fertilize, use a slow-release, balanced product and follow label rates. Over-fertilizing can actually benefit weeds more than your grass.
Dealing with Thatch
A thin layer of thatch is normal, but if it’s over half an inch thick, it can harbor pests and prevent water from reaching soil. Summer is a good time to check, but dethatching is best done in early fall for cool-season grasses.
Planning for Next Year: Pre-Emergent Control
The crabgrass you see this summer dropped thousands of seeds. To prevent them from sprouting next spring, a pre-emergent herbicide is key. Mark your calendar for early spring, when soil temperatures reach 55°F for a few consecutive days. This is typically when forsythia bushes start to bloom. Applying at this time creates a barrier that stops seeds from growing.
FAQ: Summer Crabgrass and Lawn Care
Q: Can I just mow over crabgrass to kill it?
A: Mowing alone won’t kill it. Crabgrass grows low and will just set seed even if cut short. You need to remove it or treat it with an herbicide.
Q: Is it too late to put down crabgrass killer in August?
A: It depends. If the plants are still green and haven’t dropped their seeds, a post-emergent herbicide can still work. But if they are already brown and dead, focus on lawn health and plan for spring pre-emergent.
Q: Why does my neighbor’s lawn have no crabgrass but mine does?
A: It likely comes down to lawn care practices. A thick, dense lawn from proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing leaves no room for crabgrass to establish. Soil health can also be a factor.
Q: What’s the best natural way to get rid of crabgrass?
A> Manual removal is the most effective natural method. Some gardeners use horticultural vinegar or boiling water for spot treatment, but these are non-selective and will kill your grass too, so they must be applied with extreme care directly to the weed.
Q: Should I aerate my lawn in the summer to help?
A> No. Aerating is stressful for cool-season grasses in summer heat. The best time to aerate is in the early fall. This allows for better air, water, and nutrient movement, helping your grass outcompete weeds next year.
Fighting crabgrass in summer requires persistence, but it’s absolutely manageable. By combining immediate removal tactics with long-term lawn care strategies that promote thick growth, you can reclaim your green space. Remember, the goal is a resilient lawn that naturally resists weeds, giving you more time to enjoy your yard all season long.