weed b gone vs grass - Ask Extension
We had a professional put in a lawn last late April. We do not have a sprinkler system plus we were in Florida when there were some hot days and th...
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weed b gone vs grass #879851
Asked August 02, 2024, 9:15 AM EDT
We had a professional put in a lawn last late April. We do not have a sprinkler system plus we were in Florida when there were some hot days and the lawn is very spotty with a lot of crab grass. Question... If I use Weed B gone, I cant plant for a month but if I reseed I cant use weed be gone but after a third mowing.
What should I do? I know AUG is not a good time for weed killer nor seed.
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
The Weed-B-Gone I know of works on broadleaf weeds not crabgrass. You will need a post emergent herbicide for crabgrass. That said, forget the crabgrass this year except to bag your clippings (to collect the seed). You can use a good pre-emergent herbicide next spring to prevent crabgrass from growing then. Info on pre-emergent use here:
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Common Questions-Crabgrass & Pre-Emergent-Purdue
You should focus on thickening your turf density this fall. Looking at your photos I'd suggest overseeding about the end of August, which is the best time of the year to seed a lawn! I'd consider either dense core aeration or a vertical rake to disturb the soil before adding a thin layer of compost, starter fertilizer, seed mix and straw. You will need to irrigate (when not raining) to promote germination and keep grass seedlings moist while they get established. More info in the attached articles:
Renovation of Lawns-PSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
How to Overseed A Lawn-Iowa
Lawn Renovation & Over-seeding-UMass
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU - new lawn info
I'd also recommend a soil test if you haven't done one in several years. You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Common Questions-Crabgrass & Pre-Emergent-Purdue
You should focus on thickening your turf density this fall. Looking at your photos I'd suggest overseeding about the end of August, which is the best time of the year to seed a lawn! I'd consider either dense core aeration or a vertical rake to disturb the soil before adding a thin layer of compost, starter fertilizer, seed mix and straw. You will need to irrigate (when not raining) to promote germination and keep grass seedlings moist while they get established. More info in the attached articles:
Renovation of Lawns-PSU
Renovating A Lawn for Quality & sustainability-UMN
How to Overseed A Lawn-Iowa
Lawn Renovation & Over-seeding-UMass
Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU - new lawn info
I'd also recommend a soil test if you haven't done one in several years. You will learn about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
