At this point in time, do you visibly see your new grass seed germinating with brand new green 'spikes'?

 

Just started to see some pop up over the last week

 

if you still have seed germ. from last year you should wait until you get 4-6 cuttings on the new grass.

 

If I did wait, wont I be missing my window for the pre emerge treatment?
Thanks

 

You can reseed again this spring and in the fall too. Grass seed doesn't always germinate in 100 percent of the places you put it. Use a slow release starter fertilizer,
and don't cheap out on the seeds. Use the highest grade. Check the label to see that the seed is right for the location too.

You can aerate again, especially if you have compaction weeds. Wait about ten days between using nitrogen and applying lime if you need that. We don't use gypsum here
so, I'm not certain if that depletes the nitrogen in the fertilizer. I actually prefer to apply lime and then the fertilizer ten days later.

I recommend that you allow your lawn to get thick and healthy instead of using chemicals?
Let it grow at least two to two and a half inches and maintain it at that height or higher with a sharp mower blade to choke out weeds. This will save on water bills if they apply.

If you have dandelions or plantain or other things popping up, either pull them out or look up "Fiesta" or "EcoSence" on this site and go organic. They safely use iron to kill lawn weeds and they make the grass a nice healthy green.

 

ok, so if I hold off for a bit on this treatment, I got Lesco 19-0-6 dimension .10% plus fertilizer.what is the next treatment I should do?I am forgoing scotts this year and using Lesco products. Trying to learn the whole fertilzing process . Forgive an unedumacated lawn treatment guy:hammerhead:

 

If you are seeing new grass spikes popping up now then it is likely you soil is warmed sufficiently for typical turf growth, and you can reseed at this time as well. Crab Grass starts much later when the soil temeratures soar later in the season... Bare ground and sunny spots start first, with the CG.

I wouldn't worry about CG until your new grass has its 3rd leaf... Even then, if the weather is not too hot and your soil under the turf is protected from the heat of the sun with little bare ground, you should be safe...

I never use pre-m on turf... I fill in the thin spots in the spring, letting the grass grow taller in the heat of summer and of course mulch mow...

 

This is my opinion. The seed you planted last year, should have germinated last year. So you should be safe with the pre-em. I'm in Jersey also. I recommend you pre-em. when the Forsythias in your area are blooming. This is an indication that the soil temp. is getting right for the weedy grasses to sprout. Hope that helps.

 

This is my opinion. The seed you planted last year, should have germinated last year. So you should be safe with the pre-em. I'm in Jersey also. I recommend you pre-em. when the Forsythias in your area are blooming. This is an indication that the soil temp. is getting right for the weedy grasses to sprout. Hope that helps.

The forsythia rule is good for all weeds seed as well as bluegrass and other cool season grasses...

However, one should think of CrabGrass to be more in tune with 'peonies' rather than forsythia... CG may very well not be ready by then...

 

The idea is to get the pre-em down, and the barrier active BEFORE the crabs come.

 

We used to spot spray Crabex. 0,05% Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (Monsanto)
When the grass is actively growing, we just sprayed it onto the crab grass
on a dry day and it died.

1 quart treats 650 square feet. We don't blanket entire areas with herbicides up
here any longer. Some of us have to rely on the ground water for drinking.

 

Have you checked your pH?

Crabgrass simply says that the soil is low in calcium and that it cannot support decay starting with actinomycetes molds. It is usually possible to adjust the system in a year or two, putting a little calcium lime and sulfur or gypsum on the soil in order to restructure the pH. As this is accomplished, most of the infestation disipates, virtually rotting away.

Written by-Charles Walters
Weeds, control without poisons
Published by Acres U.S.A. Metairie, Louisiana

 

just because it was seeded last season doesn't mean it could of germ. last season. it could of been seeded to late, dorm. seeding. for a homeowner who isn't afraid to go out in the yard and do some work can crabgrass isn't that bad. don't put the cart before the horse help him actually have a yard before he has to worry about weeds.

 

In this part of the country, spring is not the time to establish a great lawn. This is the time to get a handle on the weeds, so you are well prepared for late summer, early fall, which is the prime time to sow cool season grasses. I say, do the pre-em, and let the grass you planted last season, spread naturally. Then do your seeding at the optimum time. Once more, just my opinion, and what I would do.