If crabgrass takes over your lawn every summer, you’re not alone. According to lawn care expert Dr. Jim Wilkinson, founder and owner of SeaScape, understanding when and how crabgrass grows is the key to stopping it effectively.

What Is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed, meaning it grows from seed each year. It germinates in the spring, thrives during the hot, dry summer months, and dies off in the fall—after producing seeds that restart the cycle the following year.

When Does Crabgrass Grow?

Crabgrass begins germinating in the spring and grows aggressively through the summer. It prefers:

• Hot temperatures
• Dry conditions
• Thin or weakened lawns

As temperatures cool and daylight decreases in the fall, crabgrass dies—but not before dropping seeds for the next season.

The Best Way to Control Crabgrass

The most effective method for controlling crabgrass is applying a pre-emergent herbicide.

What Is Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Control?

Pre-emergent treatments are designed to stop crabgrass before it germinates. Timing is critical:

• Apply in early spring
• In regions like Southern New England, typically before early- to mid-May

Missing this window allows crabgrass seeds to sprout, making control much more difficult.

What If You Miss the Pre-Emergent Window?

Post-emergent treatments are available, but they come with challenges:

• More expensive
• Less effective
• Often require multiple applications

This is why lawn care professionals strongly recommend focusing on prevention rather than treatment.

Common Misconception: Early Spring “Crabgrass”

Many homeowners believe they see crabgrass as early as March or April—but Dr. Jim says that’s usually not the case.

If you notice:

• Thick, coarse grass blades
• Patches appearing early in the season

…it’s likely not crabgrass. Instead, it’s usually a perennial grass that comes back year after year and appears earlier than crabgrass.

How to Tell the Difference

• Crabgrass: Germinates later (late spring), spreads in summer
• Perennial grasses: Appear early in spring and persist year-round

Misidentifying these grasses can lead to unnecessary treatments and frustration.

Final Thoughts

If you want a healthy, crabgrass-free lawn, timing and prevention are everything. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring is the simplest and most effective way to protect your lawn all season long.

For expert lawn care guidance and professional treatments, trust experienced specialists like Dr. Jim Wilkinson and the SeaScape team.

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