This year we have been invaded by huge levels of Crabgrass
If you have crabgrass it must be dealt with now...before it goes to seed!
What we have found effective is a combination of small dosage of Chemical and our Organic Green Guardian 8-0-5 which works to keep it from going to seed. Call for pricing. 651-646-2900
What needs to be done?
Once we have sufficiently damaged or eliminated it then you need to be our eyes and evaluate the areas. Then send us photos to service@thegreenguardian.com so we can discuss what we see and decide if you will need Over Seeding, Lime and possibly Core Aeration. Call for pricing. 651-646-2900
How did we come to this conclusion?
We have evaluated 100's of lawns and "All" lawns infested with Crabgrass have a pH of less than 6.5 and most are at 6.0 or lower. We use a Kelway pH tester on site that is accurate within ±0.2pH.
Lime is required to increase that pH so grass can fill in these bare areas and your new seeding [if needed] will be able to get a good foot hold before winter.
Why is my pH so low?
You may wonder why the pH is so low right now. Simply the abundance of rain we had this spring flushes nutrients lower in the soil of which calcium is one of those nutrients. You may also wonder why many lawns are thin and yellow. This is a result of all that moisture we received this spring which in addition to flushing nutrients lower has also created an environment which kept the lawns roots from penetrating deeper into the soil to seek out water and food. As a result we have very weak turf that is now begging for food and it cannot find any.
What can be done to remedy this for next year?
Next season, due to what we see today, may require preventive measures which in the past we have never had to do before in our 24 years in business.
This can be done in three ways.
1) Maintenance, on your part, to prevent space for crabgrass to grow is to keep the mower at 3" and no lower. This provides the optimum level for photosynthesis and root development. By doing this you allow more shade for the soil as often once the sun hits bare soil weeds will be triggered to grow and fill in these areas as nature does not like bare soil.
2) Is to use Corn Gluten Meal and lime first thing in the spring or late fall this year. This is the all organic option. You will need to call the office for pricing. 651-646-2900 This adds much needed organic matter along with necessary slow release nutrients to feed the grass and fill in the bare areas.
3) Chemical control. We have reluctantly concluded that due to the extensive nature of the infestation of crabgrass and the fact that the organic option is much more costly, that we should offer a chemical alternative. The down sides are is that if your lawn needs over seeding we will not be able to seed until fall unless we have an early spring whereas we can over seed 3 - 4 weeks prior to applying this control. Call for pricing. 651-646-2900
Do you have other lawn issues?
If you have issues other than Crabgrass like Creeping Charlie (again a big issue this year) we have Weed Buster and Creeping Charlie Buster programs which are all organic that are very effective. Call the office for more information. 651-646-2900
What are the other services you provide?
We are a full service lawn maintenance company including Landscaping/Design (two landscaping designers on staff), Mowing, Pruning, Spring/Fall cleanup, Gutter Cleaning, Snow Removal and a full array of Organic Lawn Care Services.
For pricing email service@thegreenguardian.com
