Most lawns in Clark County are showing the effects of the hot, dry weather they experienced in the late summer and fall of 2010.
As perennial grasses were struggling to survive, weedy grasses such as crabgrass thrived and produced abundant seeds. In lawns where the perennial grasses have survived and are beginning to grow, now is the time to prepare for crabgrass control.
Control of crabgrass in established lawns is usually best accomplished with a pre-emergence herbicide. That means that the product is applied to the ground before the crabgrass seeds are expected to germinate.
In central Kentucky, crabgrass seed usually begin to germinate around the first of May. The application of pre-emergent crabgrass preventers should occur two to three weeks prior to that. A second application in late May or early June can help to catch late-germinating crabgrass seeds.
For those who wish to re-seed bare spots, it is important to note that the pre-emergent herbicides that prevent crabgrass seedlings will also prevent the seedlings of other grasses.
Attempts to establish Kentucky Bluegrass or fescue while the pre-emergence herbicide is active are not likely to be successful. Seeding of the permanent grasses needs to be done at a time when the pre-emergence herbicide is no longer active.
For more information about weed control, please contact the Clark County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at 744-4682.
As perennial grasses were struggling to survive, weedy grasses such as crabgrass thrived and produced abundant seeds. In lawns where the perennial grasses have survived and are beginning to grow, now is the time to prepare for crabgrass control.
Control of crabgrass in established lawns is usually best accomplished with a pre-emergence herbicide. That means that the product is applied to the ground before the crabgrass seeds are expected to germinate.
In central Kentucky, crabgrass seed usually begin to germinate around the first of May. The application of pre-emergent crabgrass preventers should occur two to three weeks prior to that. A second application in late May or early June can help to catch late-germinating crabgrass seeds.
For those who wish to re-seed bare spots, it is important to note that the pre-emergent herbicides that prevent crabgrass seedlings will also prevent the seedlings of other grasses.
Attempts to establish Kentucky Bluegrass or fescue while the pre-emergence herbicide is active are not likely to be successful. Seeding of the permanent grasses needs to be done at a time when the pre-emergence herbicide is no longer active.
For more information about weed control, please contact the Clark County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at 744-4682.
