Spring Seeding vs. Crabgrass Pre-Emergent

Permenant Link To: Spring Seeding vs. Crabgrass Pre-Emergent

Many wonder if spring seeding is effective. Conditions have to warrant the possibility of seeding in the spring. If your lawn was damaged from last year's drought, chances are it will not recover on it's own. If the area is large and needs to be reseeded, the time is of the essence. You want your seed to be mature enough to withstand the summer heat. You will need about 3 weeks for germination, and another 6-8 weeks to reach maturity. If you are not dedicated to watering once spring rains have gone, I would strongly recommend waiting until fall.

One has to decide if seeding or crabgrass control is more important. You can not have both. Pre-emergent applications prevent any type of seed from germinating (whether it's bad seed or good seed).

GreenScapers will usually recommend doing the crabgrass pre-emergent, because it is the only way to really control the pesky weed. If the crabgrass takes over your lawn, the seeding will be of no use, because the crabgrass it will out compete most turfgrasses.

Follow this link to read what Purdue University recommends:

http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/pubs/ay-20.pdf

Posted by: Jeremy
Posted on: Wednesday, April 9, 2008