Weed control

Question: Good morning…I’ve noticed that our front lawn is looking blotchy in color. Upon further inspection it appears that we have an infestation of crabgrass. I’m enclosing some pics. Could you please confirm. More importantly, how can I eradicate this nasty invasive? I’m open to both mechanical and chemical controls. Thanks for your help!
John

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 17, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
response: Hi John, Based on what I can see, that is tall fescue (genus Festuca) rather than true crabgrass (genus Digitaria).  Though tall fescue is often dubbed 'crabgrass,' unfortunately it is not the plant that can be controlled by certain selective herbicides labeled for 'crabgrass control' (they only work on the annual grassy weed).  On the contrary, any chemical you would use to control the tall fescue will also damage your lawn.   Your options are: 1. Live with it. 2. Spray it with a non-selective herbicide, like glyphosate, then re-seed or re-sod the area with your desired species. 3.  Dig it out, and then re-seed or re-sod. I hope this is helpful! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 10:02 AM EDT
response: Good morning John, thanks for the prompt reply!I’m going to use mechanical approach as primary with limited chemical controls. Is the glyphosate available over the counter? Also, if I recall Fall is a good time to undertake lawn reseeding…is that correct? If so I’m planning to tackle this weekend. Lastly, what type of grass seed mix would you recommend.Again, your help is greatly appreciated! Have a great day!JohnOn Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 2:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT
response: Hi John, Yes, glyphosate is available over the counter.  We are pushing the envelope for re-seeding--if the grass were already dead and you could re-seed this weekend it would probably be worthwhile, but the existing grass will take some time to die, and by then it will be too late to reliably re-seed (under normal fall/winter conditions--one never knows for sure of course!). At this stage, you likely have a better chance at good results if you wait until next spring (April) to get started.   Good luck! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT
response: If I mechanically removed those areas this weekend and reseeded, what do you think about reseeding success? Again thanks a bunch John for all your help!On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 12:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 2:56 PM EDT
response: Hi John, Sorry, I see that I misread that in your original response.  If you remove the weedy grass and seed this weekend, I think you'll be in good shape! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 3:29 PM EDT
response: Awesome, thank you so much! Suggestions for seeding mix?On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 12:56 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
response: Assuming your existing lawn is at least primarily Kentucky Bluegrass, consider looking for a high-quality bluegrass seed.  You will likely find the most options at local garden centers or smaller hardware stores. I hope this helps! Cordially, John

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 18, 2024, 3:53 PM EDT
response: Very much appreciated! Yeah, I think we’ll take advantage of some cooler weather on the weekend and get those areas dug up, replace with  fresh topsoil and then reseed with as You suggest some high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass. You’ve been super helpful John thank you so much.On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 1:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 18, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: You're welcome, and good luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 23, 2024, 7:47 AM EDT
response: Good morning John…hope you’re enjoying this wonderful Fall weather!I need to ask another question regarding the front lawn. In looking at the front lawn recently it appears that the grass is yellowing contributing to the blotchy appearance. We addressed the green weed issue in earlier messages (which I’ll be deferring til next spring) but in looking at it from a different perspective it seems the grasses are yellowing too which further exasperates the contrast. What is causing this issue and how can I correct it?Thx!JohnOn Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 1:58 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 23, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
response: Hi John, Because grasses go dormant at different rates, you're seeing an accentuation in texture difference now that it's getting close to fall.  Kentucky bluegrass tends to lose its green color more quickly than either perennial rye or tall fescue; drought or low fertility can accentuate the difference.  If you haven't fertilized yet this fall, a light application (1/2lb per 1000 sq ft) of slow-release nitrogen could help improve uniformity, but the ultimate solution is getting the lawn down to one variety (next spring!). I hope this helps! John

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 31, 2024, 11:37 AM EDT
response: Good morning John! Thanks for the continued help! I’m at our local Ace store looking at two options to put on the lawn yet this fall based on your advice of a slow release nitrogen. Which of these two products do you think would fit the bill? a quick reply is appreciated because I’m trying to take advantage of a $10 off coupon that I have!. Again appreciate the help. Have a great day! John On Wed, Oct 23, 2024 at 9:13 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 31, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Hi John, The absolute amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients on either of those products look fine--you will find the "slow-release" statements typically on the front of the bag rather than on the analysis.  Many "winterizer" fertilizers are slow-release. I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 31, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick reply…greatly appreciated!!On Thu, Oct 31, 2024 at 10:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: