How To Kill Summer Grass

Summer—the season of long days, outdoor gatherings, and enjoying the beauty of nature. However, amidst all the joy, one unwelcome guest often takes centre stage: summer grass. 

This invasive plant can quickly turn your lush green lawn into a messy, unkempt eyesore. To effectively tackle the summer grass issue, it's crucial to understand what you're up against. 

Summer grass, also known as crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), is an annual weed that thrives in warm weather and spreads rapidly. It's tough, coarse texture and unsightly appearance make it a common nuisance in lawns across the globe. Read the blog to learn more:

Summer Grass Challenges: Why It's Vital to Act

The rapid spread and aggressive growth

Summer grass, also known as crabgrass, is notorious for its rapid spread and aggressive growth. If left unchecked, it can quickly take over large areas of your lawn, crowding out desirable grass species. 

Its ability to produce several seeds ensures its persistence, making it a challenging weed to control. Acting promptly is essential to prevent the situation from worsening.

Aesthetic impact

Summer grass has a coarse texture and a different appearance compared to other grass species commonly found in lawns. Its light green colour and clumpy growth pattern can create an unsightly contrast, diminishing the overall visual appeal of your yard. Taking action to eliminate summer grass will enhance the beauty of your lawn, allowing you to enjoy a more attractive outdoor space.

Weakening of desirable grass species

Summer grass competes with desirable grass species for essential resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. As it spreads and establishes itself, it can deprive other grasses, such as Sir Grange, of these vital elements, leading to weakened and thinning turf varieties. Actively addressing summer grass infestations ensures that your desired grass species can thrive and maintain a healthy and robust appearance.

Increased maintenance requirements

The presence of summer grass necessitates additional lawn maintenance efforts. As it grows, it requires frequent mowing to keep it under control, adding to your workload and increasing the time and energy spent on lawn care. By eliminating summer grass, you can reduce the maintenance requirements of your lawn and enjoy a more manageable and low-maintenance outdoor space.

Prevention of future infestations

Allowing summer grass to flourish without intervention creates a cycle of infestations, as the weed produces abundant seeds that can lie dormant in the soil. These seeds can germinate and give rise to new summer grass plants, leading to recurring problems. By acting promptly and effectively to kill summer grass, you break this cycle and prevent future infestations, saving yourself from ongoing battles with this invasive weed.

How to Effectively Kill Summer Grass

Now that we understand the problem let's explore a step-by-step approach to killing summer grass effectively. Following these guidelines will help you regain control over your lawn and prevent summer grass from spreading further. Here's what you need to do:

Early detection and prevention

The key to managing summer grass is to tackle it early on. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of summer grass germination, especially in late spring or early summer. Apply a preemergent herbicide designed for crabgrass control before the seeds can sprout. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application.

Manual removal

For small infestations, manual removal can be an effective method. Use a sharp tool, such as a weeding knife or a hand trowel, to carefully dig out the summer grass plants, including their roots. Be thorough and ensure you remove all visible parts to prevent regrowth. Dispose of the plants in sealed bags or burn them to avoid spreading the seeds.

Herbicide application

When dealing with larger infestations, herbicides can be a valuable tool. Select a post-emergent herbicide that specifically targets summer grass. Follow the instructions on the label regarding dilution ratios, timing, and application methods. Apply the herbicide directly to the summer grass plants, avoiding contact with desirable grass species.

Re-seeding and fertilising

Once you've eliminated the summer grass, it's time to restore the vitality and beauty of your lawn. Fill in bare patches by reseeding with a high-quality grass seed appropriate for your region and climate. Follow up with a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and help your lawn regain its lushness.

Regular maintenance

Regular lawn maintenance is crucial to prevent summer grass from making a comeback. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilising practices will promote the growth of desirable grass species, making it harder for summer grass to take hold again. Keep your lawn healthy and well-maintained throughout the year to discourage weed growth.

Stay vigilant

Even after successfully eliminating summer grass from your lawn, it's essential to remain vigilant. Keep an eye out for any signs of re-infestation or new weeds taking root. Regularly inspect and maintain your lawn to nip any weed growth in the bud and maintain a weed-free environment.

Varying Summer Grass Eradication Methods

Organic approaches

If you prefer to avoid synthetic herbicides, organic methods can effectively control summer grass. These include manual removal, smothering the summer grass weeds with organic mulch, or using natural herbicides derived from ingredients such as vinegar or citrus oils. While organic approaches may take more time and effort, they offer an eco-friendly solution.

Selective herbicides

Selective herbicides target specific weeds, such as summer grass, while sparing desirable grass species. They are popular for larger infestations or lawns with mixed weed populations. Always follow the label instructions carefully to ensure proper application and minimise environmental impact.

Professional assistance

For severe or persistent summer grass problems, seeking professional help may be best. Lawn care experts can assess the extent of the infestation and provide targeted solutions tailored to your lawn's needs. They have access to specialised equipment, lawn care products and expertise to effectively eliminate summer grass and restore your lawn's health.

Summer Grass Growth Prevention Strategies

Prevention is often the best defence when it comes to summer grass. Implementing preemptive measures can significantly reduce the chances of a full-blown infestation. Let's explore some strategies:

Proper lawn care practices

Maintaining a healthy and robust lawn is the first defence against summer grass. Follow recommended lawn care practices, such as regular mowing at the appropriate height, proper watering techniques, and regular fertilisation. A dense, well-nourished lawn will naturally crowd out lawn weeds and make it harder for summer grass to establish itself.

Regular inspections

Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of weed growth, including summer grass. Early detection allows you to address the problem before it spreads and becomes more challenging to control. Pay attention to areas along the edges of your lawn, where summer grass often finds its way in from neighbouring places.

Mulching

Mulching enhances the appearance of your garden beds and acts as a physical barrier against weed growth. Apply an organic mulch layer around plants and bare areas to suppress summer grass and other weeds. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed germination.

Proper irrigation

Watering your lawn correctly can significantly affect grass weed control. Overwatering creates favourable conditions for summer grass and other weeds to thrive. Instead, adopt a deep and infrequent watering schedule that encourages the growth of deep roots in desirable grass species. Watering early in the morning also allows the grass to dry during the day, minimising the risk of diseases.

Regular aeration

Regularly aerating your lawn helps alleviate soil compaction and allows air, nutrients and water to penetrate the root zone. This promotes healthier grass growth while making it more challenging for summer grass to establish itself. Consider aerating your lawn at least once a year, especially in areas where summer grass has been a persistent problem.

Control Summer Grass with Expert Lawn Care 

Summer grass doesn't have to ruin your enjoyment of the warm season. Remember to identify the problem, choose the proper methods, stay proactive, consult a professional and maintain a healthy lawn to prevent future infestations. With patience, persistence, and professional lawn care, you'll soon enjoy a weed-free lawn and a vibrant outdoor space throughout the summer. By taking a proactive approach, you won't need to worry about infestations when you can plant your Sir Walter grass.