Quackgrass and Crabgrass
arun
2014-04-05T09:52:20-04:00
Quackgrass and Crabgrass are two graminaceous plants that we have a tendency to confuse, but that are very distinct. They are annuals that spread through seeds or underground root systems.
Both can quickly become very invasive and even potentially destroy your lawn.
Plant growth is rapid when temperatures are 20°C and higher with elevated levels of humidity.
Here is some additional information.
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Description
- Commonly, 25 to 40 seeds per stem are produced in green to bluish-green spikes which are 5 to 30 cm in length. Quackgrass is a plant that spreads rapidly and can be difficult to control. It flourishes in hot and sunny conditions. Before dying in the fall, a single weed can distribute thousands of seeds which will be ready to germinate the following spring.
Appearance
All throughout the season.
Prevention
- Choose one of our fertilization programs, which will keep your lawn dense and healthy.
- Keep your lawn height at a minimum of 3 to 3.5 inches.
Control
- There are several tools that exist to help uproot the plant manually.
- There is no conventional herbicide that can control quackgrass.
- There is no specific approved product in Canada.
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Description
- Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is a grass which extends from a central root to a weak and dry portion of the soil. It can quickly become a problem because it grows vigorously in warm and dry conditions. Before dying in the fall, the plant spreads its seeds on the ground. A single plant can distribute dozens of seeds that are ready to germinate the following spring.
Appearance
From spring to autumn. In the spring crabgrass looks like regular grass. Afterwards, it becomes paler in colour and the ends curl. Often it grows more rapidly than regular grass. The plant has a tendency to grow in weakened areas, such as along sidewalks and cement borders. When heat is stored in concrete, pavement, asphalt etc …, regular grass weakens and it is replaced by crabgrass. It becomes dark green, purple, and increases in seed count. These seeds return to the soil through mowing or when the plant dies and, consequently, spreads the following spring.
Prevention
- Choose one of our fertilization programs, which will keep your lawn dense and healthy.
- Keep your lawn height at a minimum of 3 to 3.5 inches.
- There is no conventional herbicide that can control crabgrass.
Control
- Remove manually.
- Application of a preemergent herbicide specifically for crabgrass.
