Crabgrass. Just the word can cause serious worry for any homeowner with an outdoor lawn or garden. This fast-growing, invasive weed can wreak havoc on even the most carefully manicured lawn. But there is good news! With some know-how and elbow grease, you can get rid of crabgrass for good.

At Andora Lawn Care, we offer comprehensive lawn restoration services in Larchmont to help you eliminate pesky crabgrass and restore your yard, so it looks new. Let’s go over our best tips on how to get rid of crabgrass naturally below:

1. Pull Them by Hand

A proven way to get rid of crabgrass is to pull it by hand. While this is probably the most labor-intensive method, too, it's still the most effective. Remember that each crabgrass plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds, so you'll want to eliminate them before they spread.

If you opt for this hand-pulling method, the best time to do so is in the spring when the crabgrass is young, and the soil is moist to make it easier to pull up the entire plant.

2. Apply Herbicides

To prevent crabgrass, you'll want to consider applying herbicides. A pre-emergent herbicide is helpful to prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating in the first place.

Meanwhile, if you already have crabgrass in your yard, a post-emergent herbicide is your best bet for getting rid of it. This herbicide will kill the crabgrass plants while they're actively growing.

3. Mow High

Another means to get rid of crabgrass is raising your mower blade. That's because crabgrass thrives in short grass since it doesn't have to compete with taller grasses for sunlight and nutrients. So, by mowing high, you'll make it more difficult for crabgrass to grow.

Consider mowing the lawn at least once a week to keep the grass short and make it harder for crabgrass to take hold. Also, use a sharp mower blade to ensure a clean cut.

4. Fertilize Your Lawn

Proper fertilization is key to a healthy lawn less susceptible to crabgrass. A fertilizer high in nitrogen will promote growth and help your grass crowd crabgrass. Apply it in early spring and then again in the fall to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay solid and lush all year