Lawn Care

Crabgrass Preventative in Waterford: Why Spring Treatment is Essential

Noah Dolce, Lawn Care Specialist | Apr 19, 2026

Tags: Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Weed Control

Supporting image for blog post: Crabgrass Preventative in Waterford: Why Spring Treatment is Essential

Crabgrass plants in walkway. Photo: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org

As spring settles into Waterford, MI, homeowners begin preparing their lawns for the busy growing season. One of the most important things you can do to protect your yard from crabgrass is to apply a crabgrass preventative. Crabgrass is a fast-spreading weed that thrives in warm weather, and if you don’t act early, it can take over your lawn, crowding out your desirable grass and leaving your yard looking patchy.

If crabgrass control is ignored for a year the problem will only get worse in the future. A single crabgrass plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds that will be ready to take over your lawn next year.

The key to effective crabgrass control is timing. Crabgrass seeds begin to germinate when the soil temperature reaches about 55°F for four or five days, which is why applying a crabgrass preventative before this point is crucial. A crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide forms a protective barrier in the soil, preventing crabgrass seeds from growing and spreading.

A side benefit of applying a crabgrass pre-emergent is a reduction in broadleaf weeds. The pre-emergent will stop some broadleaf weed seeds from germinating, along with the crabgrass seeds.

In conjunction with applying crabgrass pre-emergent treatment, make sure to follow other proper lawn care practices like lawn aeration, proper mowing height, and periodic lawn fertilization to promote healthy grass growth. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass and broadleaf weeds.

For homeowners in Waterford, applying a crabgrass preventative in the spring is essential to maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn. Don't wait—call Owen Tree and Lawn Care now and enjoy a weed-free yard all season long.

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