Just last week, we had a homeowner call in and ask us; Is crabgrass a fungus? Believe it or not, we get odd questions like this into our Lawn Squad of Southeastern MA office almost daily. To us no question about your lawn’s health is not worthy of a solid answer. Our goal here at Lawn Squad is not only to service and protect your lawn but also to educate. This story will cover everything you need to know about crabgrass. To set the record straight, crabgrass is not a fungus.
What Is Crabgrass?
The botanical name for crabgrass is Digitaria Sanguinalis; in actuality, crabgrass is a type of annual grass. It is sometimes quantified as a “weed” because it is so unsightly when it shows up in your lawn. It appears as a course, light green clump of grass with sprawling outward stems resembling a crab’s legs. If left unchecked, crabgrass can quickly dominate your lawn, robbing the soil of vital nutrients needed to feed your turf and ensure its vitality and survival.
What Is Lawn Fungus?
Since this post is addressing the question “is crabgrass a fungus?” It’s essential to define not only crabgrass but also lawn fungus. Lawn fungus is a lawn disease caused by various fungi that can attack, damage, and even kill turf grass. Signs of a lawn fungus can include discoloration of the turf, patches, and even dead spots. Here in Southeastern MA, the most common lawn funguses are brown patch, pythium blight, dollar spot, red thread, and snow mold, among others. Should you see signs of a lawn fungus, it is imperative to contact a lawn care professional immediately.
Learn more about lawn fungus in SE Massachusetts:
How Can I Treat And Prevent Crabgrass In My Southeastern MA Lawn?
The best plan of action for treating and preventing crabgrass in your Southeastern MA lawn is to consult with a lawn care expert. Here at Lawn Squad, we recommend treating crabgrass with both pre-emergent and post-emergent applications at the appropriate times to prevent crabgrass from emerging and curb any existing outgrowth.
When To Treat Crabgrass?
Here in Southeastern Massachusetts, the best time to treat crabgrass is in the early spring and late summer. Regarding pre-emergent, which is the first course of treatment, you must wait until the ground temperatures reach 55-degrees consistently to apply, usually late April – early May. Post-emergent, the follow-up crabgrass treatment, should occur when existing crabgrass is at the 2-5 leaf stage. Remember, to gain the most control of this grass, it is crucial to be consistent with both treatments. Crabgrass is very difficult to control when it becomes unruly. Keeping it in check is key to control.
Learn More From Your Crabgrass Control Experts At Lawn Squad Of SE Massachusetts!
The best way to treat, prevent, and curb crabgrass in your Southeastern MA lawn is to consult with the experts at Lawn Squad. Our proactive, turnkey lawn care program is designed to target everything your lawn needs to remain healthy, lush, and weed-free! Contact us today to schedule your customized complimentary consultation. You can also reach us by phone at (774) 295-1455.
We would love the opportunity to give you the lawn of your dreams!
