03/23/2026
“The forsythia is blooming and if you don’t put the crabgrass control down right now, I’ll be surrounded with crabgrass this summer!"
This is the Old Farmer’s Almanac tale run amuck. The forsythia is not a good judge of when to apply the crabgrass control for a number of factors. The soil temperature needs to be above 55 degrees for a week for any germination to take place and any heavy frost or freeze will damage any crabgrass that germinates too early. The germination of crabgrass is determined by the number of Growing Degree Days (GDD) and soil temperature. The forsythias blooming can start from 1 to 25 Growing Degree Days. Crabgrass germination begins at around 200 GDD. That is a huge difference in timing! What started out as “apply crabgrass control after the forsythia blooms drop” has turned into “apply crabgrass control as soon as you see the forsythia start to bloom.” That’s a difference of over a month.
If applied too early, there may not be adequate control later in the season when it is needed. Our second fertilizer treatment does also include a pre & post emergent crabgrass control. Later in the season we will spot treat with a post emergent control for any crabgrass that may have broken through the barrier. Again, this may happen for a number of reasons including improper mowing practices, drought, insect damage, etc.
So, with all of this being said there is one thing that is needed, and that is patience. It is a long season, and it has just started. Our lawn care programs will certainly address any crabgrass concerns, as well as weeds, grubs, summer insects, and many other issues that may arise. If you have any questions our office is always available for you to call, email, or comment on this post. Thanks, and Happy Spring!!! www.TurfproLV.com