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What is crabgrass?
Crabgrass includes several species of grass of the genus Digitaria, most commonly D. sanguinalis and D. ischaemum.
And annual weed, crabgrass grows from seed which germinate and grow quickly in warm weather. Crabgrass forms aggressive
low growing mats with wide leaves and long stems which terminate in fingerlike seed clusters. Once established a single
plant will produce thousands of seeds which in turn sprout the following year and quickly choke out surrounding grass.
Crabgrass seed can remain viable in the soil for over 20 years until conditions are favourable for its germination.
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How do I control crabgrass?
Corn gluten meal applied at a rate of 20lbs per 1000sqft at least twice per season is an effective method to keep crabgrass from establishing.
Keeping the lawn thick and is also considered good practice to help crowd out crabgrass and prevent its germination.
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How does corn gluten control crabgrass?
Corn Gluten Meal contains a dipeptide which prevents the growth of root hairs on newly germinating seeds.
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Can I use Corn Gluten Meal to get rid of the crabgrass already in my lawn?
Corn Gluten Meal is only considered a preventative treatment when trying to control crabgrass and will not work on established crabgrass when used at a rate of 20lbs per 1000sqft.
To eliminate established crabgrass, it should be removed manually by hand pulling or alternatively sprayed with a non-selective weed killer such
as horticultural vinegar. After removal, the area should be repaired with seed or sod.
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When and how do I get started?
Crabgrass control should be applied immediately after spring cleanup as early as possible to allow time for the proteins to be distributed across the soil surface before seeds begin to germinate.
Give Green Circles a call: 416-993-5296 or sign up on page 2 of this season’s contract.