When it comes to maintaining a lush, green lawn, nothing is more frustrating than dealing with pesky weeds like crabgrass.
This invasive weed can quickly take over your yard, making it difficult to keep your grass healthy and thriving.
And while there are plenty of solutions out there for getting rid of crabgrass, many homeowners worry about accidentally harming their Bermuda grass in the process.
So, what kills crabgrass but not Bermuda? In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective strategies for eradicating crabgrass while keeping your Bermuda grass happy and healthy.
Understanding the difference between crabgrass and Bermuda grass
It’s important to understand the difference between crabgrass and Bermuda grass when it comes to weed control.
Bermuda grass is a perennial grass that is often cultivated for lawns, while crabgrass is an annual grass that is considered a weed.
Bermuda grass has a thicker blade and is more resilient to weed killer, while crabgrass soaks up weed killer easily.
Although both display aggressive growth, crabgrass grows more quickly than Bermuda grass.
It’s common to confuse the two, but crabgrass has wider leaf blades with pointed tips and a hairy texture, while Bermuda grass typically has smaller, narrower leaves.
While a thick Bermuda lawn can discourage crabgrass growth, it’s important to use the right post-emergent herbicide to kill crabgrass without damaging Bermuda grass.
Other options include pre-emergent herbicides and selective herbicides like Tenacity. By understanding the differences, homeowners can effectively control crabgrass without harming their Bermuda grass lawn.
Why using a post-emergent herbicide with Quinclorac is your best bet
Using a post-emergent herbicide with Quinclorac is the best strategy for killing crabgrass growing among Bermuda lawn grasses.
As previously mentioned, crabgrass killers containing Quinclorac and Mesotrione have been proven effective against weeds.
Additionally, Quinclorac 75 DF works best on killing crabgrass when used with a non-ionic surfactant (NIS).
It is important to note that Quinclorac will not harm bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or tall fescue lawns, but should not be applied to bahiagrass, centipedegrass, fine fescue, or Dichondra.
One excellent option for killing crabgrass in warm season turf, including Bermuda grass, is to use Celsius® WG Broadleaf and Grassy Weed.
When selecting a post-emergent herbicide, it is crucial to choose a product that is selective, meaning it targets the specific weed species while leaving the desired lawn grass unharmed.
The use of Quinclorac as a post-emergent herbicide provides an effective solution for controlling crabgrass in Bermuda grass without causing damage to the turf.
Ortho WeedClear and its effectiveness in killing crabgrass in Bermuda grass
Ortho WeedClear is a highly effective post-emergent herbicide that targets crabgrass while keeping Bermuda grass safe.
This herbicide is especially useful for homeowners who are dealing with a crabgrass invasion in their Bermuda grass lawn.
It effectively kills crabgrass to the root, along with over 200 other broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, chickweed, clover, and foxtail.
Its fast-acting formula makes it a popular choice among lawn owners who want quick results.
Additionally, Ortho WeedClear is safe for Bermuda grass, as it is a selective herbicide that focuses on killing weeds without harming the grass.
Overall, Ortho WeedClear can be a useful tool in any lawn care routine when used correctly, along with other methods such as mowing and pre-emergent herbicides.
Using Tenacity as a selective herbicide for weed control
After understanding the difference between crabgrass and Bermuda grass and trying various methods of removing crabgrass from a lawn, it’s time to consider Tenacity as a selective herbicide for weed control.
One of the benefits of using Tenacity is that it won’t harm Bermuda grass, allowing you to apply it without worrying.
This herbicide is most effective when mixed with a nonionic surfactant, and it’s specifically used for certain warm-season and cool-season grasses.
Furthermore, Tenacity kills younger, smaller tiller-stage crabgrass plants, making it an ideal solution for preventing further infestation of crabgrass in your lawn.
While it doesn’t provide post-emergent control of Poa Annua, it’s still an excellent option for selective herbicide use.
Applying Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns for crabgrass removal
After understanding the difference between crabgrass and Bermuda grass, and considering other effective herbicides like Tenacity and Ortho WeedClear, one can look at another option for removing crabgrass specifically – the Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns.
This product has proven to be effective in eliminating crabgrass and other broadleaf grasses, producing visible results in just five hours.
However, it’s imperative to use this product as directed, applying it between temperatures of 45-90°F when the weeds are wet.
Additionally, one should avoid using this product when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F, to prevent damage to the lawn.
While other herbicides may control crabgrass, only Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns is rated effective for use in the area one lives.
It’s crucial to read the entire label before using the product to ensure proper usage and effectiveness.
Using Pre-Emergent Herbicides to prevent weed growth
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide is an effective strategy for preventing weed growth, including the pesky crabgrass, from sprouting in Bermuda grass.
By understanding the importance of timing, homeowners can apply herbicides like prodiamine or dithiopyr before the weed seeds germinate, thereby preventing their growth.
This method is especially effective for those who prefer to avoid the use of post-emergent herbicides that may damage the surrounding Bermuda grass.
While pre-emergent herbicides require more foresight and planning, they can be a worthwhile investment in the long-term health and aesthetics of a lawn.
By combining pre-emergent herbicides with mowing and watering best practices, homeowners can maintain a weed-free Bermuda grass lawn year-round.
Other herbicides that specifically kill crabgrass and their effectiveness
Aside from Quinclorac-based herbicides, there are other options to consider when it comes to killing crabgrass.
One product to look into is BioAdvanced Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer, which contains a combination of 2,4-D, dicamba, and Quinclorac.
Another effective option is Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer, which is known for its ability to control not only crabgrass, but also broadleaf weeds, creeping bentgrass, nimblewill, and nutsedge in turf.
Fertilome’s Weed-Out Lawn Weed Killer is also worth considering, as it comes in an easy-to-use spray format to quickly target crabgrass and undesired broadleaf weeds.
All of these herbicides have their own unique features and level of effectiveness, so it’s important to do your research and choose the product that best meets your needs.
Mowing is not effective in killing crabgrass or other types of lawn grass
While some may believe that mowing their lawn frequently can help eliminate crabgrass and other types of lawn grass, the truth is that it is not an effective method to control or kill them.
Mowing only cuts off the visible part of the grass, but the root system remains intact, allowing it to grow back stronger.
To effectively eliminate crabgrass and other types of lawn grass, it is essential to use herbicides that specifically target them.
Using a post-emergent herbicide with Quinclorac is the best option to kill crabgrass while preserving Bermuda grass.
Additionally, products like Ortho WeedClear, Tenacity, and Spectracide Weed Stop can also help in controlling crabgrass in Bermuda grass without harming the lawn.
Moreover, using pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent weed seeds from germinating, can stop crabgrass and other weeds from growing in the first place.
By taking the appropriate steps, one can maintain a healthy Bermuda grass lawn and effectively manage crabgrass and other unwanted lawn grass.
Can the Methods for Eliminating Crabgrass in St. Augustine Grass also Be Used for Bermuda Grass?
Yes, the powerful techniques for crabgrass elimination that work for St. Augustine grass can also be applied to Bermuda grass. These methods include regular mowing at the correct height, applying pre-emergent herbicides in spring and fall, and using selective post-emergent herbicides for active crabgrass infestations. Proper lawn care practices remain crucial for effectively managing crabgrass in both grass types.
How to control crabgrass without damaging Bermuda grass
When it comes to controlling crabgrass without damaging Bermuda grass, it’s important to use a selective herbicide.
As mentioned earlier, Tenacity is a great option for targeted weed control without harming desirable grasses.
It’s also important to mow your lawn regularly and to a proper height (no lower than 2 inches for Bermuda) to prevent crabgrass from taking over.
Additionally, using pre-emergent herbicides in the spring can prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating in the first place. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns is another effective option for crabgrass removal without harming Bermuda.
By following these tips and using the right weed control products, you can keep your lawn healthy and free of pesky crabgrass.
How can I prevent crabgrass from spreading to my Bermuda grass without causing harm?
To prevent crabgrass from spreading to your Bermuda grass without causing harm, follow these crabgrass spread prevention tips: Regularly mow your lawn at the appropriate height for Bermuda grass, water deeply and infrequently, and use pre-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for crabgrass prevention in Bermuda grass lawns.
Identifying the prevalent species of Digitaria in North America and their characteristics.
To effectively control crabgrass, it’s important to understand the different species and their characteristics.
In North America, there are two prevalent species of Digitaria: large or hairy crabgrass and small or smooth crabgrass.
Large crabgrass, also known as Digitaria sanguinalis, has wide blades and can grow up to three feet tall. Smooth crabgrass, or Digitaria ischaemum, has narrower leaves and grows to about one foot in height.
Both species thrive in warm weather and can quickly spread through seed germination. By identifying the type of crabgrass in your lawn, you can choose the most effective herbicide or control method for the best results.
