What is Crabgrass? Many people call any undesirable grass in their lawn Crabgrass but often times it is another weedy grass and not Crabgrass. Wild Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass are the two most common weedy grasses in western Oregon and Washington. Until recently, Crabgrass was rarely seen in the northwest as it is a summertime weedy grass of warmer climates. Our warming summer weather has encouraged this previously rare lawn weed to become a new lawn weed problem.
As with most grass weeds, Crabgrass is difficult to control, differently than broadleaf weeds like Dandelion and Clover. There are selective weed control products that will kill "broadleaf" weeds without damaging the desirable grass but grassy weeds are more difficult.
Our typical grassy weeds like Wild Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass are difficult to control but grow and look similar enough to the desirable grass in lawns that they have become visible but acceptable realities. Crabgrass on the other hand, grows and looks much different and is less acceptable in lawns. This has forced us to develop new approaches to offer our customers to combat this new weed pest.
If your property becomes infested with Crabgrass, we will provide you with control options in the future. As always, we try to minimize chemical use but Crabgrass is one of those weed problems that you may choose to have us treat for in the future. A definite result of our warmer summer this year but now here, it is likely going to be an annual weed problem.
