Crab Grass and other weeds in lawn (lawns, crabgrass, tomatoes)

[TakeAhike]

I think I know the answer before I ask the question.

How do you eradicate this stuff from your yard? Answer: Pull it out one clump at a time. That is what I am doing. I am in the SE/US--possibly Zone 6A or 6B/could be 5Aor B--haven't looked at the chart recently. Atlanta, GA is where I live.

I think I heard/read that it is better to remove this stuff in the fall and then put something on the spaces to treat the soil for the next spring. Is that what others do?

It is good for me to attack the crab grass and other unwanted weeds--a release of tensions but it is time consuming--as is yard maintenance in general.

Two weeks ago I went on a spree and pulled out several cans full of weeds. They dare to show themselves again. Arrogant.

So I want a more aggressive plan.

tia

TakeAhike

[Tek_Freek]

Around here we put down a pre-emergent in the spring for certain types of weeds, like Crabgrass. There are also some products that kill more weeds than Weed-Be-Gon, but don't hurt Bluegrass. Not knowing what kind of grass you have in lawns down there I would recommend checking with a local garden center or read the labels at Lowes or Home Depot, etc.

The problem with pulling weeds can be twofold. If you pull a broad leaf weed like a dandelion or spurge, and leave part of the root, it just grows back from the root.

If you pull Crabgrass, Foxtail, etc, you disturb the soil and any seeds that have been sitting dormant now germinate.

Weeds are tenacious.

[Ohiogirl81]

I hates crabgrass. *grumble* [/Yosemite Sam] My lawn is about one-third crabgrass this time of year, especially after the dry weather we had earlier in the summer that gave the crabgrass space to germinate. Right now, it's just about the only green we've got in the lawn.

Crabgrass cannot be of this planet.

Tried this stuff from Gardens Alive once called WOW. Takes a couple of seasons to really get rid of the crabgrass, but it works.

[Blue Grass Fever]

One precaution to take:

Make sure your blades that you cut the grass with are sharpened. Dull blades tend to "rip" grass out thereby killing your ornamental grass and it also tends to invite other "weeds" you don't want.

[CouponJack]

Originally Posted by TakeAhike

I think I know the answer before I ask the question.

How do you eradicate this stuff from your yard? Answer: Pull it out one clump at a time. That is what I am doing. I am in the SE/US--possibly Zone 6A or 6B/could be 5Aor B--haven't looked at the chart recently. Atlanta, GA is where I live.

I think I heard/read that it is better to remove this stuff in the fall and then put something on the spaces to treat the soil for the next spring. Is that what others do?

It is good for me to attack the crab grass and other unwanted weeds--a release of tensions but it is time consuming--as is yard maintenance in general.

Two weeks ago I went on a spree and pulled out several cans full of weeds. They dare to show themselves again. Arrogant.

So I want a more aggressive plan.

tia

TakeAhike

If your lawn is truly covered w/the stuff, you might want to think about the roundup and start over route....

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by CouponJack

If your lawn is truly covered w/the stuff, you might want to think about the roundup and start over route....

I think you asked in a previous post what kind of grass is involved--it is Bermuda.

When I look at the yard--it looks 'severe' but no, there is more grass than crab grass. I will review my plan--which was in a moment of frustration to starting pulling up anything that wasn't grass. After this, of course, I have big bare spots--I saved some of the grass and put some soil 'Helper' on the spots. Then decided I should learn more.

We have some tenacious and prolific weeds in Georgia--a little round leafed one that grows by the second--all over everywhere and a longleafed light green weed--it rained last night and that must be what is needed for this weed to spread. Snarl--at least the tomatoes will not be threatened by this weed.

I have been trying for several years to get the back yard at least in better shape. My father would have never allowed the weeds to 'Win'. At least I have managed to 'hold the line'--could be living in a crab grass jungle.

Is fall the time for aggressive measures? My Mother did put some pre-emergent on areas in the Spring--for all I know this only stimulated the growth.

I need to come to the Gardening forum and learn what I should be doing this fall. Blueberry bushes--cut them back in the fall? How much?

A couple of years ago my Mother said, 'Trim the branches" and I did. We had no blueberries last year.

I guess I will learn. Thanks.

TakeAhike