How To Prevent and Get Rid of Crabgrass and Moss

At Fairway Green, we want you to be able to decide what is (and isn’t) in your lawn. As we near the start of spring, here’s how to prevent and deal with crabgrass and moss — so you can keep yourself, your wallet and your lawn in good shape.

Crabgrass

What Does Crabgrass Look Like?

Crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed that has broad (large) leaves that can out-compete desirable turf. Leaf color tends to be a slighter different green color when compared to desired grass.

The seed head is a long stem that has multi-seed branches at the top. It’s similar in shape to a star.

How Do You Prevent and Get Rid of Crabgrass?

Without taking the proper steps, crabgrass can rule your lawn. Crabgrass germination often takes place on bare, sunny spots where conditions are already not favorable. Its seeds generally need a temperature in the range of 55-60 degrees to begin germination, which usually lines up with spring. You definitely want to start dealing with crabgrass before you can actually see it if possible, or it can be difficult to reign in.

The best way to control crabgrass is with a pre-emergence herbicide treatment, which Fairway Green offers as a three-part application process. Getting this, keeping up with other good lawn techniques (like mowing at a good height and properly watering), and using a customized maintenance plan will lessen future crabgrass infestations. Post-emergent control applications can show results before crabgrass matures and starts to seed out.

Moss

What Does Lawn Moss Look Like?

Moss often appears as sponge-like, green patches that will be coarse to the touch and make a lawn look uneven.

How Do You Prevent and Get Rid of Lawn Moss?

While moss generally doesn’t kill grass, that doesn’t mean it still can’t be a pest. Moss on lawns is generally caused by strong shade, poor draining, and/or compacted soil. It can really become apparent and overtake parts of a lawn where the turf is thin or struggling to grow properly. The conditions that lead to moss also indicate a generally poor growth environment for turf.

Preventing and controlling lawn moss starts with understanding what specific conditions led to it. In most any case, better lawn maintenance will help. While there are chemical options on the market, lawn moss can’t really be treated with them without potential negative side effects. Using a broom, high-pressure water and/or rake to deal with top moss layers is often the best bet.

Where Are Some Other Places Moss Can Show Up?

If you also find yourself dealing with moss on more than just your lawn, there are steps that can be taken. A bleach application on the side of your home can often help. Ponds can benefit from receiving inert dyes to reduce their light intake and moss potential. Rooftop moss can generally be cut down with a mixture of bleach and water.

Contrary to popular believe, limestone will not eliminate moss.

Overcome Moss and Crabgrass With Fairway Green

No matter if it’s moss, crabgrass or something else entirely, Fairway Green can set you up for success. It’s never too late to bring in experts for immediate solutions or future preventive measures.

Check in with Fairway green now on a free lawn estimate and your custom, lawn specific-plan!