This infamous summer annual thrives in hot, moist areas. It's a shallow-rooted weed that flourishes in underfed lawns, in poorly drained areas, and in lawns and flower beds that receive frequent surface watering. Seeds germinate in early spring in southern climates, later in northern areas. In flower beds, pull crabgrass before it sets seed. To thwart crabgrass in lawns, keep the turf well fertilized and vigorous, so it will provide tough competition for weeds.
Solarization can control crabgrass if high temperatures are achieved.
Back to top Dandelion. Familiar as a lawn weed everywhere in the United States, dandelion is particularly troublesome in cold-winter climates. It grows from a deep, fleshy taproot and spreads by windborne seeds. Flowering begins in spring and often continues until frost. If dandelions are growing in your lawn, the turf is probably thin and undernourished.