How to Get Rid of Crabgrass Naturally
Crabgrass is one of the most stubborn lawn invaders in Texas, thriving in the state's warm, humid climate, especially during the hot summer months. If you’ve noticed those pesky, fast-growing clumps of crabgrass spreading across your lawn, don’t worry! You don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals. There are plenty of natural methods you can use to fight crabgrass and get your lawn back to its lush, green state.
Here’s how Texas homeowners can effectively manage crabgrass naturally, all while protecting your soil, pets, and local environment.
How To Identify Crabgrass
Learning how to identify it early will help you manage it more effectively and prevent it from spreading. Here's how you can spot crabgrass and distinguish it from your regular grass.
1. Look for Low-Growing, Spreading Growth
Crabgrass grows differently from most other grass types. It tends to spread low to the ground, creating a sprawling mat rather than growing upright like Bermuda or Zoysia grass. You'll often notice crabgrass creeping outward from the center in a circular pattern, especially in areas with sparse or weakened grass.
2. Examine the Leaves
Crabgrass leaves are long, narrow, and pointed. They are typically light green and have a coarse texture. Unlike Bermuda grass, which has a finer texture, crabgrass leaves tend to be wider at the base and taper toward the tip.
- Leaves grow in clusters: Crabgrass leaves emerge in tufts from a central point, and the plant often has several long stems radiating outwards.
- Leaf edges are rough: When you run your fingers along the edge of crabgrass leaves, you may feel slight serrations or a rough texture.
3. Look for Red or Purple Tint
Crabgrass is known for its distinctive reddish or purple color, particularly at the base of the stems. This is often most noticeable during the early stages of growth, as crabgrass starts to emerge in the spring or summer.
4. Observe the Seedheads
When crabgrass begins to flower, it produces a distinctive seedhead that is easy to identify. The seedheads are usually loose and irregular, with long, hair-like structures holding tiny seeds.
- Seedheads are large and bushy: They can reach up to 12 inches in height and are usually light green or pale purple in color before they mature.
- Seeds spread easily: The seedheads will often disperse large numbers of seeds, helping the plant spread rapidly across your lawn.
5. Crabgrass Germinates in Warm Weather
Crabgrass tends to germinate when soil temperatures consistently reach around 55°F to 60°F, which typically occurs in the spring or early summer in Texas. Unlike other grass types that stay dormant in the winter, crabgrass begins to thrive in the warmer months.
If you notice grass-like plants popping up early in the season when your regular grass hasn’t fully grown in, it could be crabgrass. It is particularly common in sunny areas of the lawn or where the grass is thinning out.
6. Growth Pattern
Crabgrass grows aggressively and quickly. During hot summer months, it can quickly form dense patches that crowd out other grasses. Unlike your desired lawn grass, which generally stays consistent in height, crabgrass grows in large patches and can become very noticeable due to its irregular shape and color.
7. Crabgrass in Lawns in Texas
In Texas, where the climate is hot and dry, crabgrass thrives in lawns that are stressed or weakened. If your lawn has areas where the grass is sparse, like under trees, near sidewalks, or in areas that are over-watered, you may be more likely to notice crabgrass taking over.
How To Control Crabgrass Naturally
1. Start with a Healthy Lawn
A healthy lawn is the first line of defense against crabgrass. When grass is thick and vigorous, it naturally crowds out weeds. Here’s what you can do to keep your lawn in top shape:
- Mow High: In Texas, it’s especially important to mow your grass at a higher setting. Tall grass shades the soil, which makes it harder for weeds like crabgrass to germinate.
- Water Deeply, But Less Frequently: Deep watering encourages deep roots, while shallow watering promotes shallow roots that can be more vulnerable to weed invasion. Water early in the morning to avoid the intense Texas heat.
- Fertilize Naturally: Use organic fertilizers like compost, which provide slow-release nutrients and improve soil health, making it harder for crabgrass to take root.
2. Hand-Pull Crabgrass Early
The best time to tackle crabgrass is in the spring before it’s had a chance to spread. If you catch it early, you can simply pull it out by hand. Use a weeding tool to dig deep enough to remove the roots. It’s especially effective in Texas gardens where the soil is often loose due to our warm temperatures.
Tip: Wet the soil a bit before pulling to make it easier to remove the roots completely. This will help prevent the crabgrass from coming back!
3. Mulch to Suppress Weeds
Mulch is a fantastic natural weed suppressant. In garden beds and areas where you want to prevent crabgrass growth, apply a layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves, straw, or grass clippings. Mulch blocks the sunlight that crabgrass needs to germinate, preventing it from taking root.
In Texas, using mulch also helps retain moisture during those dry summer months and keeps your soil temperature regulated.
4. Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide that works wonders in stopping crabgrass before it sprouts. It’s especially effective in Texas, where crabgrass seeds germinate in early spring. Corn gluten meal prevents seeds from growing by inhibiting root formation.
- How to Use: Apply corn gluten meal to your lawn in early spring, ideally before the first signs of crabgrass. Be sure to follow the recommended application rate based on your lawn size.
Note: While corn gluten meal is a natural product, it also prevents desirable grass seeds from germinating, so avoid using it if you plan to overseed your lawn.
5. Boiling Water
If you find crabgrass sprouting in your driveway or between cracks in your sidewalk, boiling water can be an effective way to kill it without chemicals. Simply pour boiling water directly on the weeds to scorch them.
This method works well in Texas yards, where hot summers can make weeds vulnerable to extreme heat. Be careful not to pour boiling water on your lawn or desirable plants, as it can kill them too!
6. Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly way to kill crabgrass. Use a mixture of 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Spray it directly onto the crabgrass on a dry, sunny day for the best results. The acid in the vinegar breaks down the plant’s cell structure, killing the weed.
However, vinegar isn’t selective. It will kill any plant it touches, so be careful to apply it only to crabgrass and not your lawn or other plants.
7. Overseed with Grass That Stays Strong
If you’re in Texas, certain grass varieties, like Bermuda or Zoysia, are particularly hardy against weeds. Consider overseeding your lawn with these grass types to help fill in bare patches and crowd out crabgrass.
- Best Time to Overseed: Early fall (September through October) is the perfect time to overseed in Texas, allowing new grass to take root before the cooler weather arrives.
8. Keep Your Lawn Aerated
Aeration is crucial for Texas lawns, especially in the clay-heavy soils common in the region. Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass, helping it grow stronger and more resilient against weeds like crabgrass. Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil, allowing for better root penetration and weed control.
9. Use Natural Herbicides Sparingly
If all else fails, you can use natural herbicides like those made with citric acid, clove oil, or other plant-based ingredients. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to avoid damaging your lawn. These herbicides are less toxic than synthetic options and generally have minimal environmental impact.
Conclusion
By using these natural methods, you can take control of your Texas lawn and keep crabgrass at bay. Maintaining a healthy, well-maintained lawn is the key to preventing weeds in the first place. With the right care and attention, your lawn will stay beautiful and free of crabgrass, all while keeping the environment safe for your family and pets.
So, take action today—start by pulling those early weeds, applying some mulch, and getting that lawn ready for another beautiful Texas season!
If you are still struggling with crabgrass, it might be worth investing in professional weed control treatments. For more information, contact our team of local experts.