Crabgrass - Ask Extension
Has crabgrass started to germinate yet?
Knowledgebase
Crabgrass #927065
Asked March 30, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT
Has crabgrass started to germinate yet?
St. Joseph County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. No, soil temperatures have not warmed up enough to prompt crabgrass seeds to germinate yet. Spring crabgrass control is achieved by applying a crabgrass pre-emergent. Control timing using a pre-emergent 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.
