Restrained by Spring’s lunacy, the landscape could not seem to free itself from the cruel and unseasonable shackles of April’s imprisonment. Soon, the restraints will release, and Spring will once again be liberated.

And as the temperatures warm and the landscape awakens, there is yet another potential hindrance lurking that would like to  imprison our lawns.  Annual grassy weeds – like Crabgrass, Yellow & Green Foxtail, Goosegrass and Barnyard Grass.

Crabgrass is one of the more common, easily recognizable weeds that can be described as pale-green, low-growing grass that forms dense, unsightly patches.  Barnyard and Goosegrass are also low-growing while Foxtails are more upright; however, Crabgrass differs in one big, painful way.  If allowed to establish, it’s very difficult to remove by hand.

Because these annual grassy weeds germinate in Spring once the soil begins to warm, it’s important to manage them early.  Pre-emergents create a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weeds from emerging while Post-emergents are used when the weeds are young.  Crabgrass applications, like pre-emergents, are normally applied in mid to late April; however, given the cold Spring we’ve experienced thus far, applications will be pushed back some.  Any applications previously applied have been utterly nullified by the snow and chilly temps, rendering them useless.

Weeds tend to show up in weak, shallow rooted areas of the lawn, so the best preventative measures are to follow proper maintenance practices, like regular mowing, fertilization, aerations and watering which all lead to dense, healthy, deep-rooted lawns where weeds will have less of a chance to take hold.

If you haven’t done so already, reach out to Sweeney’s today to schedule your first round fertilizations, which also include a pre-emergent to handle such annual grassy weeds.  Be sure to sign up for lawn maintenance, mowing, fertilization, and renovations too!

Plant of the Week

Photo of Pugster White Butterfly Bush courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers

Pugster White Butterfly Bush

Dense clusters of fragrant, crisp white flowers bloom on low-mounded shrub with thick, study stems from July – October.  Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 18-24″ wide.  Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.  Drought and heat tolerant.

“Crabgrass can grow on bowling balls in airless rooms, and there is no known way to kill it that does not involve nuclear weapons.”

-Dave Barry

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney