When is the best time to put crabgrass preventer on your lawn .
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There is still snow on the ground in April and even May where I live.
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I would wait until the ground is thawed enough for it to soak into the soil three or four inches to get at the roots.
Crabgrass germinates at a certain temperature... 60 or 65 degrees? You use the preventer any time after snow, and before 70-75 degrees is Sustained. (Where are you... from the snow dates you estimate, I'd guess last half of April)
Rule of thumb when the Forsythia blooms.Here in Ny there is a law that it cannot be applied until April 1st.I do not know if that involves other states
Nancy... it works to inhibit seed germination... doesn't work on non-existant roots... crabgrass is annual.
But your timing sounds right
Great question to be aware of optimal timing.
I like the visual cues myself and look to the local forsythia blossoms as my indicator. Heres a link with a few other ideas.
Best wishes with your turf.
http://purdueturftips.blogspot.com/2012/03/when-will-crabgrass-germinate.html
Hi VeDean. You can apply the crab grass preventer as soon as the ground thaws, and the grass starts turning green again. Just make sure you don't wait too long.