How to Get Rid of Crabgrass Without Chemicals

Have you noticed crabgrass growing in your lawn? Crabgrass isn’t just unslightly, it is actually harmful to your lawn. Therefore, it should be treated promptly.

Crabgrass is considered to be one of the most distressing lawn and landscaping problems for every homeowner. Apart from the fact that it can outgrow beautiful lawn grasses, it can also be highly damaging to your garden plants.

Because of the numerous seeds that crabgrass releases, it can multiply very rapidly. The seeds germinate quickly as the temperature rises  above than 55 degree Fahrenheit, and sunlight begins to reach the moist soil.

Although commercial pesticides are effective in getting rid of crabgrass, their chemicals can harm your pets and children. Instead of chemical-based products, you can try the following solutions.

REDUCING THE DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS

Aggressive seed distribution allows crabgrass to spread through a large area, quickly dominating your lawn. One of the best ways to eliminate crabgrass without the help of chemicals is to prevent seed distribution.

When you hand-pull grass patches from the ground, place them in a plastic bag and throw these bags immediately into the trashcan or landfill. This way, the seeds are contained with no way to disperse through your lawn.

If you prefer to compost as much organic material as possible, you can tie up the bags and leave them out in the sun from 4 to 6 weeks. This method ensures that the seeds have been killed by the heat, leaving the remnants safe to add to your compost heap.

SOLARIZING THE SOIL

Solarizing can be done in any season, but is most effective during the hottest months of the year. Here are the steps to take:

• Mow the lawn to a very short length.
• Generously water the area you’re treating, to saturate the soil and grass.
• Cover the ground with a transparent plastic sheet. Be sure to use clear plastic, to let in sufficient sunlight.
• Seal the edges by burying the perimeters of the sheet in the ground.
• Leave the covering in place up to six weeks, allowing the heat and steam to kill the weeds and seeds.
• When you begin to notice less steam, it is safe to remove the plastic covering.

STOP THE GERMINATION

Crabgrass can quickly germinate if the lawn is not densely shaded. A healthy and thick lawn will protect the area against crabgrass. Plant during fall for healthy grass, and overseed thinner areas. When colder weather comes, the freezing temperature can kill the crabgrass seedlings.

When irrigating your yard, water it deeply but infrequently. Your turf grass can easily bounce back from a brief drought, but dry soil not kind to crabgrass roots. This measure causes the crabgrass to languish, but causes no long-term damage to your lawn.

You can also set the mower above the recommended height range for your particular grass type. As a result, the crabgrass will find it hard to outgrow your lawn grass, which allows your turf to eventually choke it out.

Crabgrass can become a significant problem if left unattended. Keep your pets and family safe from chemicals by trying the methods discussed above, all while maintain a beautiful lawn.