Crabgrass control - Ask Extension
What are the best ways now, early spring, to control crabgrass in a lawn
Knowledgebase
Crabgrass control #926766
Asked March 25, 2026, 5:06 PM EDT
What are the best ways now, early spring, to control crabgrass in a lawn
Shiawassee County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Spring crabgrass control is achieved by applying a crabgrass pre-emergent. Control timing is best determined by using GDD Tracker (GDD Tracker) which tracks the cumulative heat exposure that warms soil and entices buds to open. More info in the following links:
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
Common Questions-Crabgrass & Pre-Emergent-Purdue
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Today GDD Tracker shows we are right at the beginning of the optimum time to apply pre-emergent which should last a week or longer. You should bookmark the GDD website for future use and can even sign up for alerts.
I hope this is helpful.
GDD Tracking-Spring Crabgrass Prevention-MSU
Common Questions-Crabgrass & Pre-Emergent-Purdue
Crabgrass Control-UMn
Today GDD Tracker shows we are right at the beginning of the optimum time to apply pre-emergent which should last a week or longer. You should bookmark the GDD website for future use and can even sign up for alerts.
I hope this is helpful.
