Pre emergent (lawns) - Ask Extension
Hi, I have a 1 acre lawn in Jackson county that borders woodland. My lawn has been taken over with crab grass early, then later in the summer I get to...
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Pre emergent (lawns) #862483
Asked March 25, 2024, 3:34 PM EDT
Hi, I have a 1 acre lawn in Jackson county that borders woodland. My lawn has been taken over with crab grass early, then later in the summer I get tons of Creeping Charley broad leaf round weeds that kill what grass I have. Hoping for a pre emergent suggestion as to which product to use and how to apply.
Jackson County Michigan
Expert Response
Let's think about 2 things concerning crabgrass prevention: timing and herbicide.
Timing is covered by:
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU - timing is in the optimum zone now
GDD Tracker Info-MSU
Herbicide selection is covered in the attached links:
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Aerifying & Pre-Emergent Herbicide Use-Purdue - active ingredients and trade names listed
Crabgrass Control Success - KState - herbicides listed
Remember, the practices that encourage a healthy, dense turf stand, such as mowing high, returning clippings and adequate fertilization, are all part of an effective crabgrass prevention strategy.
Some info on ground ivy (creeping charlie) and it's control:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ground-ivy-control-for-home-lawns
Borax on Ground Ivy-Iowa St
https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-ground-ivy-glechoma-hederacea-l
https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/ground-ivy
A spring application of a pre-emergent is best to control crabgrass. A fall application of a broadleaf herbicide is most effective on ground ivy (creeping charlie) although a spring application when it is flowering almost as effective.
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
Timing is covered by:
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU - timing is in the optimum zone now
GDD Tracker Info-MSU
Herbicide selection is covered in the attached links:
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Aerifying & Pre-Emergent Herbicide Use-Purdue - active ingredients and trade names listed
Crabgrass Control Success - KState - herbicides listed
Remember, the practices that encourage a healthy, dense turf stand, such as mowing high, returning clippings and adequate fertilization, are all part of an effective crabgrass prevention strategy.
Some info on ground ivy (creeping charlie) and it's control:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ground-ivy-control-for-home-lawns
Borax on Ground Ivy-Iowa St
https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-and-turfgrass-weeds-ground-ivy-glechoma-hederacea-l
https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/ground-ivy
A spring application of a pre-emergent is best to control crabgrass. A fall application of a broadleaf herbicide is most effective on ground ivy (creeping charlie) although a spring application when it is flowering almost as effective.
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
