Preemergence applications for crabgrass control

Ron Calhoun, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences -

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

Spring is definitely in the air. Precipitation over the last seven to 10 days has reinforced the early start to the growing season. Soil temperatures continue to dwell in the low to mid-50's making it a great time to apply preemergence for crabgrass. Even the forsythia seems to be getting it right this year. Full bloom forsythia, with flowers starting to drop, is often used as a phenological indicator of preemergence timing. I saw several excellent indicator plants when driving around this weekend.

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