Saturday, March 3, 2018

Spring Musings about Crabgrass Prevention

   March 3rd, 2018 - I just ordered a bag of Scotts Turf Builder, which "Halts Crabgrass," (Preventer) with Lawn Food, 5,000 sq. ft., online from Walmart.com.  I tried to buy it at the store last evening, but this particular item wasn't on the shelf inside the Garden Center, and it was too late, in my opinion, to check outside, since there was no clerk anywhere to be seen, and my ride needed to get home.  I'm expecting an email notification and/or app when the bag has been "picked." and is ready to be picked up from the store.

   I had actually checked this same department approximately two weeks prior, because we were getting so much wonderful snowfall (in Southeastern Colorado), and I knew Spring Thaw was just around the corner.  I applied this identical product to my lawn in late February last year, and really had good results with it. The crabgrass in my neighborhood is fairly prolific, and if it isn't addressed by some sort of treatment, it can take over a lawn with no mercy.  I know some people don't really like herbicides, but I am very careful to flag my lawn and make sure no one walks on it until at least a week later, after a snow or rain, or watering with my sprinkling system if absolutely necessary, even though I don't like to turn them on while nighttime temperatures are in the teens (which they are).  That's okay, though, because I just read a blurb about preparing the lawn for Spring, and realized I still need to dethatch it with my trusty rake.  I don't usually rent a power rake because they tend to tear up my ground, and I enjoy the exercise. The description on the bag reads:

Highlights
  • Protects against new crabgrass all season
  • Feeds to encourage fast lawn green-up in the spring
  • Winter conditions after application won't affect product performance.
  • $17.46
Turf Builder Scotts Tb Halts 4m


   I found another Scotts crabgrass and grassy weed herbicide that doesn't contain any fertilizer, but I think I get a better deal by combining them, because that item isn't actually available from Walmart, so I would have to pay for shipping, and I would also have to buy fertilizer. Then I would also have to find time to apply the product.  I like to garden, but I'm not that fond of spreading fertilizer/herbicide, and my time is very valuable to me.


Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer (Mini Pallet),   
This product is only $17.12, but with shipping and the fact that it doesn't contain fertilizer, it will have to be a "no."