Description
Crabgrass is an annual grass with a prostrate growth habit that prevents lawn growth by occupying space. Its leaves are short, covered with hairs, and light green, turning burgundy by late summer. It produces a large quantity of seeds, facilitating rapid spread.
Family: Poaceae
Type: Annual grass
Season of appearance: Spring to early autumn
Causes
This weed primarily develops in sparse or damaged lawns, particularly in areas where the grass is thin or after damage caused by pests.
Prevention
- Maintain a dense and healthy lawn to limit its establishment.
- Increase mowing height to 8 cm during the growing season.
- Overseed bare areas to prevent its development.
Control
- Manually pull out the plants, making sure to remove the rhizomes as well.
- Temporarily lower the mowing height and collect the grass clippings to prevent the seeds from spreading.