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Crabgrass is a persistent and frustrating weed for many homeowners in Fresno, CA. If you’ve noticed it invading your lawn, you’re not alone. Due to Fresno's warm climate and long summers, crabgrass can thrive if not properly controlled. It can spread quickly, crowding out desirable grass and ruining the appearance of a healthy lawn. Thankfully, with the right approach, you can manage crabgrass and restore your yard to its lush, green state.

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that grows aggressively in lawns, gardens, and other open areas. It gets its name from its low-growing habit and wide, sprawling leaves that resemble crab legs. Crabgrass thrives in hot weather, making Fresno's warm climate an ideal environment for it to take root and spread.

One of the biggest problems with crabgrass is its ability to produce thousands of seeds, which means that even if you control it one year, it can come back stronger the next if left unchecked.

Why is Crabgrass a Problem?

While crabgrass itself isn’t harmful to humans or pets, it competes with the healthy grass in your yard for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Once crabgrass takes over, it can cause your lawn to become patchy and unsightly. Additionally, crabgrass weakens your lawn's overall health, leaving it more vulnerable to other weeds, pests, and diseases.

How to Control Crabgrass in Fresno

Crabgrass control requires a combination of prevention and treatment strategies, and timing is key to keeping this pesky weed at bay. Here are some proven methods to control crabgrass:

• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: The best way to stop crabgrass from taking over your lawn is to prevent it from germinating in the first place. Pre-emergent herbicides are applied early in the spring, before the crabgrass seeds have a chance to sprout. In Fresno, this typically means applying the herbicide in late winter or early spring when soil temperatures begin to warm.
• Healthy Lawn Maintenance: A thick, healthy lawn is your first defense against crabgrass. By keeping your grass well-watered, properly fertilized, and mowed at the right height, you’ll make it harder for crabgrass to find space to grow. Proper mowing practices can also help—cutting your grass too short creates ideal conditions for crabgrass to spread.
• Post-Emergent Treatments: If crabgrass has already appeared in your yard, post-emergent herbicides can be used to target and kill the weed. These treatments are most effective when applied during the early growth stages of crabgrass. For established crabgrass, spot treatments are often necessary.
• Consistent Lawn Care: Crabgrass control isn’t a one-time effort. Maintaining a crabgrass-free lawn requires consistent care throughout the growing season. This includes regular fertilization, proper irrigation, and monitoring for signs of new crabgrass growth.

Why Professional Crabgrass Control is a Smart Choice

While DIY methods can help manage crabgrass, working with a professional lawn care service in Fresno offers many benefits. Experienced professionals understand the specific challenges of crabgrass control in the Central Valley and can provide tailored solutions for your lawn. With expert help from The Experienced Gardener, you can rest assured that your lawn will be treated with the best methods available to keep crabgrass under control and promote healthy grass growth.