With names like that, it is easy to get the two weeds confused. However, controlling these weeds requires us to properly identify them as they have very different methods of treatment.
Below, we will take a look at characteristics for both Crabgrass and Quack grass and then some ways that you can control these relentless weeds.
Crab grass:
Annual Grass (Dies in the fall and returns new in the spring)
Low-growing weed
Appears in the mid-summer
Light green in color
Grows in a pattern similar to a crab
Leaves are thin
Leaves are typically 3-6” in length and are less than ½” wide
Quack Grass
Perennial Grass (Infinite survival)
Lives in cool climates
Appears in late spring- early summer
Long, thin stems
1-3 ft in height
Grows upright
Leaves are coarse
Dark green
Spreads by seed
Similarities: Quack grass and crab grass are similar in the way that they both have fast spreading roots and they can regenerate themselves quickly if any piece of that root is left in the soil.
Ways to control
- If the weeds are not in the lawn, the you can apply a herbicide to kill the top along with the roots.
- If it is in grass, you can apply a herbicide very carefully to the affected areas. Be careful not to get on the other parts of the lawn because it will kill of the good grass also.
- Apply pre-emergents in the spring to prevent any new seed from germinating.
- Pull young weeds by hand.
- Established weeds are harder to control without killing off your healthy lawn.
If you would like more information on crab grass control, please call 1-800-533-6330.
