If that shelf lined with half-used bottles of crabgrass killer is your idea of garage decorating, that’s ok.
At least it’s serving a purpose.
If you’ve hung out here with us at all, you probably recall us talking about the pitfalls of DIY weed control.
It’s just not as effective as the products the pros use.
The best crabgrass killer is about timing, precision, and persistence.
Here’s a look.
Crabgrass Killer for Lawns: DIY vs the Pros
When it comes to DIY crabgrass killer for lawns, you can certainly buy it off the shelf, apply it yourself, and see some results — as long as you follow the directions exactly.
That’s worth repeating: as long as you follow the directions exactly.
It’s common to make mistakes.
If it tells you to apply it more than once, you can’t just apply it once then wonder why you still have crabgrass.
If the package says it’s pre-emergent, don’t expect it to kill crabgrass that already sprouted. 
One thing to note: the crabgrass killer you buy at the store is a pre-diluted mix, ready to apply.
We mix our own, so we know exactly what the concentration is, and exactly how much to apply per 1,000 square feet.
Crabgrass Insurance, Sort Of
If you buy crabgrass killer and it doesn’t work, you trudge back to the store to buy more.
If you apply it then it rains and washes off, you trudge back to the store and buy it again.
Is this getting tedious, or is it just us?
If you’re on a lawn care program with RainMaster, you get results. It’s kind of like buying insurance.
Another DIY drawback: storing the stuff. If you’re one of those people with a big, spacious, pristine garage, good for you. Not a big problem. But if your leftover crabgrass killer freezes out there over the winter, it’s no good.
Crabgrass Killer: Before and After
Crabgrass has an impressive claim to fame: each crabgrass plant produces as many as 150,000 seeds.
Those pesky seeds stay behind, ready to germinate the following spring and start the evil cycle all over again. Even seeds that don't germinate right away can hang around to sprout in future years.
The key to getting rid of it is preventing those stubborn seeds from becoming more seed-producing plants.
Pre-emergent treatment is crucial — targeting those seeds as they germinate and take root in the soil.
But like most weeds, crabgrass is stubborn and can sneak through even if you applied pre-emergent, particularly in thinner areas or along edges.
That’s where post-emergent crabgrass killer comes in. These sneaky invaders can be spot-treated with that.
Crabgrass Killer: Treatment, Times Two
While most lawn care companies do one crabgrass application in the spring, here at RainMaster, you get two, one in early spring and another in late spring. This extends protection.
The Best Crabgrass Control? A Healthy Lawn
Preventing crabgrass is easier than getting rid of it. And a thick, healthy lawn is the best way to prevent all weeds. That means staying on top of aeration, fertilizer, and proper irrigation.
A few key tips:
Mow High
We know, it’s tempting to mow even lower than usual to mow down those annoying weeds. But it doesn’t work that way.
Taller grass helps a lawn grow thicker. Mow too short, and the soil heats up, helping those pesky weed seeds to germinate.
Shorter grass also has a weaker root system, which makes it more susceptible to weeds like crabgrass.
Proper Watering
A lawn that’s too wet or too dry encourages weeds. You can invest in a professionally installed irrigation system to help water your lawn correctly and efficiently.
Another alternative is to pick up some hoses, timers, and sprinklers. It’s more time consuming and cumbersome than a professional system, but it’s better to water your lawn properly on your own than to just ignore its needs.
Target Weeds Spring Through Fall
When you see crabgrass in your yard, sometimes it seems like it sprouted overnight.
It didn’t. The weeds you see actually started germinating in the soil weeks or months ago.
That’s why you need a complete, proactive lawn care program that includes both weed preventative and curative treatments from early spring to late fall.
Spring preventative treatments are based on soil temperature. Here in Minnesota, that means our start time can range from March to May. Curative weed spray treatments occur from April through early October.
If your lawn looks healthy, can’t you skip crabgrass prevention?
Nope. Remember, those seeds are hanging out, sometimes for years. Ignore them, and they’ll turn into ugly weeds.
You Still Might See Crabgrass
Don’t freak out if you still see crabgrass after you’ve had crabgrass killer applied.
It often takes 10 days or longer for products to kill weeds. It’s not about how fast we knock those weeds down. It’s about knocking them out for good.
Sometimes weeds haven’t yet germinated when we visit your property. They pop up later, like a dastardly surprise.
We’re happy to return to nab those persistent weeds, at no charge. Or we’ll treat them at our next visit. You don't want crabgrass and we don't want you to have crabgrass.
Want the Best Crabgrass Killer? RainMaster Can Help
Frustrated that all those half-used bottles of crabgrass killer lining your garage shelves haven’t gotten rid of your crabgrass?
How about trying a better plan?
Let’s create a custom nutrition plan for your lawn, so the roots will be nourished, the soil packed with nutrients, and your grass so thick and healthy, crabgrass will have a tough fight ahead — especially after the one-two punch of two rounds of pre-emergent crabgrass killer.
And if crabgrass does dare to show up, this time, you’ll be ready.
Are you ready to stop battling crabgrass? Request a quote today! We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can finally enjoy your lawn and stop worrying about it.
