Nobody wants crabgrass in their yard, but many people reach for the chemical weed killers when they see it start to grow. This is a mistake. There are many ways to get rid of crabgrass without using harsh chemicals. This blog post will discuss how to kill crabgrass and other pesky weeds using natural methods. We will also provide some tips on preventing these weeds from coming back!
Identify crabgrass in your lawn and remove it by hand
This is the best way to get rid of crabgrass without chemicals. Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that germinates in late winter or early spring. It has light green, glossy leaves that are wider than other grasses. The best way to remove crabgrass by hand is to wait until it has grown about six inches tall and then pull it up from the root using a gardening tool called a hoe.
In a hurry? If you don’t have much time to review the post, below is a briefing of the top products we recommend. You can rest assured that we only chose the best weed-killing applications.
Top 10 Crabgrass Weed Killers
| 1. | Best Pre-Emergent Granule | Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer |
| 2. | Best Post-Emergent Granule | Bonide Weed Beater Complete |
| 3. | Best Pre-Emergent Concentrate | Dimension 2EW Dithiopyr Pre-Emergent Herbicide |
| 4. | Best Post–Emergent Concentrate | BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide |
| 5. | Great Post-Emergent Trigger Spray | Ortho WeedClear Lawn Crabgrass Killer Ready to Use |
| 6. | Great Post-Emergent Trigger Spray | Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer |
| 7. | Best Handheld Crabgrass Granule Spreader | Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader |
| 8. | Best Walking Crabgrass Granule Spreader | Scotts Spreader, Elite |
| 9. | Best Heavy-Duty Concentrate Backpack Sprayer | Roundup No Leak Pump Backpack Sprayer for Herbicides |
| 10. | Best Lightweight Concentrate Sprayer | Petratools Garden Sprayer |
Mow your lawn regularly
Mowing your lawn regularly is one of the best ways to prevent crabgrass from taking over. Keep your lawn mowed at least once per week during the growing season. Higher mowing heights (about three inches) will help crowd out crabgrass seeds and make it harder for them to germinate.
Use organic mulch in your garden
Organic mulch is a great way to prevent crabgrass and other weed seeds from germinating. Mulch prevents light from reaching the soil, which inhibits weed growth. It also helps keep the soil moist and cool, ideal for plants. There are many different types of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, and leaves. Spread a layer of organic mulch around two to three inches deep in your garden beds. Be sure to replenish it throughout the season as it breaks down.
Apply compost to your lawn
Compost is rich in nutrients that help grasses grow thick and strong, crowding out crabgrass. It also helps improve drainage and moisture retention in the soil, which are essential for a healthy lawn. You can either spread compost over your lawn with a rake or have it delivered and applied by a professional. Apply compost at least once per year or more often if you have a lot of crabgrass growth.
Plant grass seed in bare spots
Bare spots in your lawn are an invitation for crabgrass to take over. Fill in these areas by planting grass seed. Be sure to choose a grass seed appropriate for your climate and soil type. Once the seeds have germinated, keep the area well-watered and mowed until the new grass is established.
Remove any debris from the area, such as sticks or rocks
Debris in your yard provides a place for crabgrass and other weed seeds to germinate. Remove any debris from the area, including leaves, sticks, and rocks. This will make it harder for weeds to take root and spread.
Fertilize your lawn regularly
Regular fertilization helps keep your lawn healthy and strong, making it difficult for crabgrass to take over. Choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your climate and soil type. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions three or four times per year.
Use vinegar to kill the weed
Vinegar is a natural weed killer that can get rid of crabgrass. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which burns the leaves of plants. Be sure to use vinegar with caution as it will also kill other plants in the area. Apply it directly to the crabgrass plant and avoid getting it on any desirable plants nearby.
Use salt to kill the weed
Another natural weed killer is salt. Salt works by dehydrating the plant, causing it to die. Be sure to use salt with caution as it can also kill other plants in the area. Apply it directly to the crabgrass plant and avoid getting it on any desirable plants nearby.
Boil water and pour it over the weed
Boiling water is an effective way to kill crabgrass and other weeds. The hot water will burn the plant’s leaves, causing it to die. Be careful when using this method, as boiling water can damage desirable plants nearby. Apply it directly to the crabgrass plant and avoid getting it on any desirable plants nearby.
Aerate your lawn regularly to improve drainage and discourage weed growth
Aerating your lawn helps improve drainage and prevent compaction, leading to crabgrass growth. Aeration also allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of grasses more easily. Be sure to aerate your lawn at least once per year or more often if you have a lot of crabgrass growth.
Wait for the weeds to die and then remove them from your yard
If you don’t want to use chemicals or other methods to kill crabgrass, you can wait for the plant to die. This usually happens in late fall or early winter. Once the plant has died, please remove it from your yard, so it doesn’t spread its seeds.
Use herbicides as a last resort
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still struggling with crabgrass, you may need to use a herbicide. Be sure to choose a herbicide appropriate for your climate and soil type. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to reapply several times throughout the season for best results.
This might be your next read: check out our herbicide review here for Certainty and Tenacity.
Remember to use caution when using herbicides as they can damage other plants in the area. And be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using any herbicide.
Apply weed preventer regularly
Weed preventers help keep weeds from growing in your yard by inhibiting their growth. Choose a weed preventer that is appropriate for your climate and soil type. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions two or three times per year. Crabgrass will not grow if there is no room for it to take root.
If you’re still struggling with crabgrass, be sure to consult a professional for advice and assistance. They may have additional tips or methods to help get rid of crabgrass for good.
Repeat as necessary until all the crabgrass is gone
Once you’ve removed all the crabgrass from your yard, be sure to take steps to prevent it from coming back. This may include fertilizing regularly, aerating your lawn, and using herbicides as needed.
More Tips and Tools for Killing Crabgrass in Lawns & Grass
Our recommendations of the best crabgrass killer in 2020 for lawns and landscapes will effectively kill crabgrass weeds and prevent them from quickly returning. While there are some environmental advantages, crabgrass is an ugly weed that grows in our lawn and landscape beds and hinders your overall landscape’s beauty. Crabgrass is annoying because they pop-up and spread quickly and look terrible from just about any vantage point.
In this weed control guide, we explored crabgrass weeds in detail, what they are, how they benefit the environment, how to remove them. Our final recommendations included excellent crabgrass products such as Scotts Crabgrass Killer & Preventer, Dimension Pre-Emergent Herbicide, BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide, Ortho Crabgrass Spray Killer, Bonide Weed Beater, Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer, and more.
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You can keep your yard free of crabgrass and other weeds by following these tips. Thanks for reading!
Last update on 2022-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API