Do you know when to apply crabgrass preventer? Recently, Weed Pro’s Cleveland, Broadview Heights, and Columbus locations have been contacted with that same question over and over again. While some of the “bigger” guys may have started applying your neighbor’s Round One application beginning in March, here’s why those neighbors will be fighting crabgrass all year, while you’re enjoying a beautiful lawn. 

 Crabgrass Doesn’t Know How To Read a Calendar

Sounds kind of funny when it’s written right there, huh? Well, believe it or not, often we are told by consumers, “If you don’t start my lawn care program and get crabgrass preventer down by April 1st, my neighbors say I’ll get crabgrass!”

The truth is that crabgrass germinates based on soil temperatures, NOT by the calendar. According to Ohio State ATI, research shows that crabgrass begins to germinate when average daily soil temperatures reach 57 to 64 F at the earliest. Due to the late start of spring, only recently have we even began to experience AIR temperatures that warm, let alone soil temperatures reaching that level.

The facts are that the next two weeks are the perfect opportunity to get crabgrass preventer down to control crabgrass. Weed Pro uses Dimension, which is the best crabgrass preventer in the industry, providing great control before and shortly after any germination.

Look for Flowering Plants (forsythia) as a Good Estimate of When To Apply Crabgrass Preventer

Perhaps an easier way than getting soil temperatures from the soil is to be on the lookout for your flowering trees and shrubs to begin to bloom. Often, when soil temperatures begin to rise to adequate levels for crabgrass to even think about germination, flowering trees such as pears are in FULL blossom. 

According to the University of Purdue, forsythia shrubs are a good estimate of when to apply crabgrass preventer. Forsythia will be in full bloom PRIOR to crabgrass germination. Many professional turf managers use this plant as a sign to begin to apply pre-emergent crabgrass preventer.

Certified, Trained Lawn Care Professionals – Weed Pro’s One on One Promise

When to apply crabgrass preventer is just one of the many questions we receive on a daily basis at Weed Pro. Your certified, trained lawn care technician is here to answer all of the questions you have, and will work with you one-on-one to help you get the best looking lawn on your block. Weed Pro prides itself on communicating with you after each application, making you aware of how your lawns overall health is, providing valuable feedback, and giving you timely instructions.  This is what helps makes the Weed Pro One on One Promise!

The Right Lawn Care Company

Having certified, trained technicians is just one of the things you need to look for when hiring a lawn care company. While not every lawn care company can have employees that go the extra mile, there are some important things you need to look for when hiring the right firm to care for your lawn.  Never fret, Weed Pro has put together the Ultimate Lawn Care Company Hiring Guide so that you can find that perfect partner. Download your free company by clicking on the button below:

Shaun Kanary has been a part of the Green Industry for the past 15 years. As the Director of Marketing for Weed Pro Lawn Care, a Cleveland and Columbus Lawn Care Service Provider, Shaun is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazine and blogs.  Shaun on Google+     Shaun on LinkedIn     Shaun on Twitter