A lush, green lawn is the dream—but crabgrass and other invasive weeds can make that dream feel out of reach. If you’re tired of fighting weeds every spring and summer, it’s time to take a smarter, more strategic approach.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything Austin homeowners need to know about preventing and eliminating crabgrass and weeds for a healthy, thriving lawn.
What Is Crabgrass and Why Is It a Problem?
Crabgrass is an aggressive annual weed that thrives in warm weather and disturbed soil. Its thick blades and creeping growth pattern allow it to overtake weaker patches of your lawn quickly.
Once crabgrass gains a foothold, it spreads fast and dies off in winter, leaving bare, erosion-prone soil in its place. It also steals nutrients and moisture from your turfgrass, making it harder to maintain a green, even lawn.
The Most Common Lawn Weeds in Austin
In addition to crabgrass, Austin lawns often battle:
- Dandelions – Taproot weeds that spread rapidly
- Clover – Common in nutrient-deficient soil
- Spurge – Low-growing, fast-spreading summer weed
- Chickweed – Cool-season weed that thrives in winter
- Nutsedge – Looks like grass but grows taller and faster.
Identifying your weeds is the first step toward effective control.
How to Prevent Crabgrass and Weeds
Prevention is always easier than treatment. Here’s how to stop weeds before they start:
1. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Use a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring (February–March in Austin) to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Make sure it’s labeled safe for your grass type.
2. Fertilize at the Right Time
Strengthen your lawn so it can outcompete weeds. Apply fertilizer in late spring and early fall when turfgrass is actively growing.
3. Improve Soil Health
Get a soil test and amend with compost or topsoil as needed. Healthy soil supports strong grassroots that resist weeds.
4. Mow High and Often
Keep grass blades around 2.5–3.5 inches tall, depending on species. Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for weeds to sprout.
How to Remove Weeds Without Harming Your Lawn
If weeds are already growing, you’ll need a targeted removal strategy:
- Spot treatment: Use post-emergent herbicide or hand-pull weeds.
- Manual removal: Great for broadleaf weeds and taproots like dandelions.
- Organic methods: Vinegar or boiling water for patios and walkways, not lawn use.
- Avoid over-spraying: Only treat visible weeds. Too much herbicide can harm your grass.
When to Treat Lawns in Austin
Timing your treatments can make or break your weed control plan. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:
- February–March: Apply pre-emergent for crabgrass.
- April–May: Fertilize and mow regularly.
- June–July: Spot-treat summer weeds. Water deeply and infrequently.
- September: Apply for a second round of pre-emergent.
- October–November: Fertilize before winter.
This schedule supports long-term lawn health and weed resistance.
Lawn Care Best Practices
A weed-free lawn starts with consistent care. Stick to these fundamentals:
- Water deeply, not daily – 1 inch of water per week
- Aerate once a year – Helps relieve compacted soil.
- Top-dress with compost – Nourishes soil and improves texture
- Overseed thin spots – Thick turf keeps weeds from taking hold
Want help maintaining a healthy lawn? Our lawn and sod installation team can get you started with strong, weed-resistant grass.
Final Thoughts & Lawn Estimate
Crabgrass and weeds are a headache—but with the right timing, tools, and techniques, you can win the battle for a lush, healthy lawn. Whether you DIY or hire pros, consistency, and good lawn habits go a long way.
Need professional weed control or sod replacement? Contact us today or request a free estimate to take the next step toward a weed-free lawn.
TL;DR – Weed Control Tips for Austin
- Apply pre-emergent in early spring and fall
- Fertilize and mow properly
- Spot-treat existing weeds
Water deeply, aerate, and overseed as needed