Currently, our technicians are reporting that they are seeing a lot of crabgrass in the lawns. Crabgrass is a prolific seed producer and will distribute seeds across your lawn all summer long. If you or your neighbour(s) have crabgrass this year then expect it to pop up in your lawn again next year at an alarming rate. With Ontario’s ban in 2009 on many varieties of cosmetic pesticides and herbicides, combating crabgrass got a little more difficult. 

For the past few years, we have been trying to control crabgrass with a pre-emergent treatment in the spring with disappointing results. In 2020, we made the decision not to offer crabgrass treatments. Crabgrass loves heat and dry weather and is especially attracted to areas that absorb a lot of heat such as alongside sidewalks, asphalt and pavement and south-facing bare patches in your lawn. Keeping the crabgrass short with your weed eater and not allowing it to go to seed is one method of controlling it. Another method is manually pulling, however, this can be tedious and time consuming. The best ​defense against crabgrass is a thick, healthy lawn. Thick lawns crowd out weeds and unwanted grasses. 

Slit seeding is an aggressive seeding option performed using a special machine that slices vertical rows into the soil, dropping seed directly into the slits. This provides excellent seed to soil contact which optimizes germination and improves establishment. Now through to mid-September is the ideal time to seed. The shorter days with cooler evenings and often more consistent precipitation are keys to establishing new seed ahead of the winter months. Whether you’re planning to overseed an existing lawn or seed a new one, make sure you act now for best results!