Crabgrass - What It Is & How To Control It

Crabgrass, so called because it looks like crabs legs. It is also known as Finger grass. It is from Digitaria genus, Digitus being the Latin for fingers. It is an annual monocotyledon.

Crabgrass

Commonly found are, Smooth Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) and Hairy Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis). They can be quite prolific, particularly in the summer as it is very drought resistant and can produce over 100,000 seeds per plant, in late summer.

Herbicide Control

On land not intended to bare vegetation:

For Domestic Situations = Gallup Home & Garden with Prestige Super pH Buffer

For Professional Users = Gallup Biograde Amenity with Prestige Super pH Buffer

It is important to note that herbicide control may need to be repeated annually until the seed bank is exhausted. Aim to control Crabgrass before it has a chance to produce more seed.

There are NO selective herbicides that can be used to control Crabgrass in turf. Mowing frequently can weaken the plant. Regular verti-cutting will help to reduce it, or slashing the plant with a sharp knife repeatedly on small areas can also help.

By Chris Humphrey MBPR FQA, Technical Manager

For more advice and help, contact Collier Turf Care on 01328 700600