How to Kill Crabgrass Around Plants

Crabgrass can sometimes go undetected in tall grass or filled gardens.

Crabgrass is a hearty, fast-spreading weed. It often grows between blades of grass but can also appear in gardens around various plants. As a weed, it can spread rapidly and begin sapping nutrients from the dirt, reducing the nutrients available to lawn grass and plants. The crabgrass can also choke off plant shoots and roots as it spreads, taking over the garden. Selective herbicide is recommended, as it will target the crabgrass and reduce the chance of accidentally killing wanted lawn grass and garden plants.

Things You'll Need

• Selective herbicide crabgrass killer in spray bottle

Instructions

1. Identify potential crabgrass around plants. Mature crabgrass has a star-shaped design made up of long, thin blades. In both earlier and later stages of growth, the crabgrass blades are always wider than normal grass blades. The crabgrass is usually green in color and may have offshoots from the center sprout comprising the center of the star shape.

2. Ensure the ground around the plant is dry. Carefully position the spray bottle with the nozzle a few inches from the dirt around the bases of the crabgrass shoots.

3. Spray in small, quick bursts directly onto the crabgrass and the dirt under the crabgrass blades. Be aware of which way the wind is blowing to minimize the amount of herbicide that gets onto plants and surrounding grass.

4. Allow the area to dry for 24 hours. For crabgrass that remains apply another round of spray, wait 24 more hours before proceeding again.

5. Use your hand to grasp the crabgrass that remains and pull it out of the dirt. Repeat until the crabgrass is no longer visible. Spray more selective herbicide on the spots where you pulled crabgrass. Water the plants again after 24 hours has passed.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to spray crabgrass before it is fully grown as mature crabgrass can become resistant to some herbicides over time.

• Consider using a dust mask when spraying to avoid inhaling spray fumes. You may also choose to wear protective eyewear and long-sleeve shirts and body-covering clothing to protect yourself from the spray.

References

• Garden Counselor: What does crabgrass look like
• Garden Counselor: How to kill crabgrass
• Gardening Know How: Crabgrass killers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish