The Difference Between Crab Grass vs. Quack Grass

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.