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Weedy Grasses

Native Creeping Bentgrass - Control & Prevention

The best control for bentgrass is to remove the patches. Small amounts of bentgrass can be gradually reduced. Reduction may take a few seasons. In the spring when the bentgrass patches are weak and brown, you should rake and remove the patches. Seed or sod can then be placed in the raked areas. Bentgrass does spread quickly, so it is important to watch for any new patches appearing and repeat the raking and seeding or sodding.

Once the bentgrass has been controlled, the following steps will help in preventing it in the future:

  • Keep the cutting height at 6 to 8 cm
  • Give the lawn deep infrequent watering-at least 2.5 cm per week
  • Regularly fertilize the lawn with a slow release granular fertilizer
  • As soon as you see any new patches of bentgrass appearing rake and seed or sod the area before the bentgrass has a chance to spread

The main purpose of these recommendations is to encourage the desirable turf grass to be thick and healthy as this is the best prevention from bentgrass being able to establish in the lawn. Patience and diligence are essential ingredients in this procedure.

The main purpose of these recommendations is to encourage the desirable turf grass to be thick and healthy as this is the best prevention from bentgrass being able to establish in the lawn. Patience and diligence are essential ingredients in this procedure.

 

Crabgrass - Control & Prevention

Crabgrass management requires reducing the number of crabgrass plants paired with strengthening the lawn. Following good cultural practices such as proper mowing and overseeding can help reduce the occurrence and spread of this undesirable weedy grass. Treatment options for crabgrass will vary by province and location. If you suspect you have crabgrass, contact your local Weed Man Professional for next steps and recommendations.

Crabgrass favours sandy sunny locations in a weakened condition. Areas left thin due to insect damage and areas along sidewalks and driveways are prime targets for crabgrass attack. Customers often edge the sidewalk and driveway edges too severely and leave areas of soil exposed to the sun which allows the crabgrass seeds to germinate. Since the desirable turf grass has been removed there is no competition and crabgrass is allowed to thrive.

If you have any areas bare or thin due to insect damage or other problems you should top dress these areas in the fall. This will give the seed a chance to germinate and establish itself before the crabgrass seeds are able to germinate the following spring. The longer bare areas are left before they are repaired, the stronger the chance undesirable grasses such as crabgrass or quackgrass will be given a chance to invade.

A strong, healthy, properly fertilized, mowed and watered lawn provides the strongest defense against crabgrass. Thick, lush healthy lawns allow few open sites for crabgrass to establish. Remember crabgrass grows from seed every year in weakened stressed areas.

 

Moss In my Lawn - Prevent and Treat

The best way to control moss is to correct the underlying problem. These steps may include one or more of the following:

  • Prune trees to reduce shade and increase air circulation
  • Aerate to improve drainage
  • Adjust mower to cut at or above 6 cm
  • Apply regular applications of fertilizer to increase nitrogen
  • Have your soil tested to determine soil pH…liming may be necessary to increase pH

If these changes do not rectify the problem, your Weed Man Professional may apply a moss treatment in the spring or fall. Once the moss turns black, it must be raked up and the bare areas should be top dressed and over seeded. (The moss control application may only be available in coastal regions.) Please contact your local Weed Man Professional for further information.

 

What can I do about quackgrass in my lawn?

The most effective procedure to control or suppress quackgrass is to crowd it out with desirable turf grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. This is accomplished by properly maintaining your desirable turf in the following ways:

  • Apply a good and regular slow release granular fertilizer program. This will help to thicken and green up the desirable turf grasses.
  • Water lawn regularly with at least 2.5 cm per week. Quackgrass establishes itself and spreads rapidly during hot dry conditions when lawn goes dormant.