Every homeowner wants a beautifully manicured lawn. But in order to have the lawn of your dreams, you first have to win the battle against weeds. In this blog post, we’ll pit one of the most common lawn weeds against your beautiful Bermuda grass and help you deal with weeds. Read on to learn more about getting rid of crabgrass for good!
Dealing With Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a warm-season annual grass that germinates in late spring or early summer. Unlike Bermuda grass, crabgrass does not have a deep root system, which means that it will quickly dry out and die when temperatures start to cool off in the fall. Crabgrass gets its name from its crab-like appearance; this type of weed has low-growing stems that branch out from a central point. Crabgrass is also characterized by its hairy leaves and small, yellow flowers.
The best way to get rid of crabgrass is to prevent it from germinating in the first place. You can do this by applying a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn in early spring before the crabgrass seeds start to germinate. Once crabgrass has started growing, you can kill it with an herbicide that contains glyphosate or trifluralin. As with Bermuda grass, be sure to follow the directions on the herbicide label carefully so that you don’t damage your lawn in the process. You may need to reapply the herbicide multiple times before the crabgrass is completely gone.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that is commonly found in the southern United States. This type of grass has a deep root system, which helps it withstand periods of drought. It’s characterized by its thick, coarse blades that are either green or yellow-green in color. If you have newly established Bermuda grass in your lawn, you’ll need to be extra vigilant in your weed control efforts. It’s not uncommon for crabgrass patches to pop up and threaten the uniformity of your turf.
Caring for Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, but there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to keep your lawn looking its best. First of all, you’ll need to mow your Bermuda grass regularly—about once a week is usually sufficient. Be sure to use sharp blades on your mower so that you don’t damage the grass. Secondly, make sure to fertilize your Bermuda grass at least twice a year so that it has the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and green. Lastly, water your Bermuda grass deeply but infrequently; about 1 inch per week is ideal.
Common Problems with Bermuda Grass
Even though Bermuda grass is relatively low-maintenance, there are a few problems that can arise if you’re not careful. One issue that’s fairly common is brown patch, which is caused by fungi that thrive in hot, humid weather conditions. If you notice brown patches starting to form on your lawn, be sure to treat them immediately with a fungicide. Another problem that can affect Bermuda grass is chinch bugs; these tiny insects suck the juice out of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. If you think your lawn may have chinch bugs, bring a sample of the affected leaves to your local nursery or Cooperative Extension office so that they can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.
No one wants weeds in their yard. But if you’re going to have a green lawn, you’re going to have to learn how to fight them. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge in this post, you’re ready for battle. Weeds are no match for a determined homeowner! By following these simple tips, you can easily get rid of crabgrass to take your lawn from drab to fab in no time!
