Why do I have crabgrass on my lawn all of a sudden?

What is crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a pesky weed that can be troublesome for homeowners. Despite the name, it is not a type of grass but an annual weed that spreads quickly and can dominate your lawn. Crabgrass can even stifle other grass varieties and absorb essential nutrients, making it a weed you should remove as soon as possible!

How does crabgrass begin to grow?

Crabgrass may suddenly appear on your lawn during summer, particularly in hot and dry weather conditions. This weed typically grows in thin and bare patches and its seeds tend to sprout in mid-spring, once the soil temperature reaches at least 55°F. Crabgrass is an annual weed that grows quickly and can be challenging to eliminate. 

Should I pull out crabgrass?

Crabgrass typically dies on its own during the fall season, usually after the first frost. But if you don't remove those pesky weed clumps before they disperse their seeds, you'll have to deal with them again the following year. To effectively eliminate crabgrass, removing the weedy clumps as you spot them is best.