Eventually, yes!
We’re talking crabgrass here. They say nothing is for sure except death and taxes, but you can be sure about crabgrass too. Even in the best-cared-for lawns, some annual grass and weed seeds will find their way in. And eventually these seeds will start germinating – especially when there was a drought the previous season or within unhealthy turf.
Crabgrass seeds start to germinate when the temperature in the top inch of soil is above 52 degrees for five to seven straight days. After germinating, crabgrass grows fast and can take things over, so it’s important to “beat it to the punch.” The best way to do that is to make sure your lawn is treated with crabgrass control in the early spring.
Stop it Before it Starts
At LawnAmerica, we use the best pre-emergent available: Barricade®. Pre-emergent herbicides stop crabgrass seeds from sprouting as soon as they begin germinating. Plus, they take care of any seedlings that may have already sprouted. With yearly treatments applied at the right time, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful lawn with no crabgrass in sight. Be sure to water your lawn within five to seven days after the application (if there’s no rainfall) to activate the material in the top inch of soil. Avoid heavy raking or dethatching for about three to four months after an application, or you’ll break up the “barrier zone” protecting your lawn. Moles and other lawn-damaging critters can also break up the barrier zone.
Plan Ahead
Pre-emergents are a great way to control crabgrass, but please remember that these herbicides kill germinating grass seed too. If you’re thinking about reseeding your lawn this spring, you should wait six to eight weeks after a pre-emergent application before new grass seed is planted. LawnAmerica has got you covered with our Step 1 Early Spring Weed Control Treatment.
If you expect the very best from your lawn and landscape, then our new Showcase Care Program may be right for you. Showcase Care gives your lawn the best we have to offer, with consistent monthly lawn care treatments throughout the growing season. Plus, your treatments will be provided by the same service person each month…either the owner or an experienced manager.
Additional Benefits and Features of Our New Showcase Care Program Include:
- More frequent fertilization with quality, organic-based fertilizers for a greener, healthier lawn.
- More consistent turfgrass growth, with less surge in top growth (especially with the addition of “Primo” turfgrass growth regulator to your service).
- Tree & Shrub and other optional services such as Aeration, Seeding, Perimeter Pest Control, and Turf Disease/Insect Control can be automatically provided when they’re most needed to encourage a healthier lawn and landscape.
- Consistent monthly billings spread out over the season (with the same amount each time).
For more information and a proposal on upgrading your service to Showcase Care, just call our office or visit our Web site at www.LawnAmerica.com. We’ll be happy to discuss your lawn and landscape and work with you to set up a customized program that meets your specific needs.
Pruning is a regular, important part of keeping your flowering plants healthy, contained and looking their best. The right time depends on when the flowers appear. Plants that bloom in early spring on old wood or growth from the previous season (such as azaleas) should be pruned a week or two after flowers drop. Those that bloom in late summer on stem growth from the current growing season (such as crape myrtles) shouldn’t be pruned until they’re dormant.
It’s good to keep after your shrubs, because pruning removes diseased and damaged plant parts, helps air circulate and sunlight get in, and stops structural problems in future plant growth. Flowering plants, in particular, produce more flowers and fruit when pruned at the right time.
