Crabgrass Season in Ohio: How to Stop It Before It Starts

Why Crabgrass Drives Ohio Homeowners Crazy

You spend time and money trying to get your lawn to look nice, and just when you think it’s finally filling in, these thick, wiry weeds start popping up along the edges, stealing the spotlight. Sound familiar?

That’s crabgrass. And here in Northeast Ohio, it’s one of the most frustrating summer lawn problems we deal with.

At Ecolawn, we help homeowners keep their grass strong and healthy, so weeds like crabgrass don’t stand a chance.

What Is Crabgrass, and Why Does It Spread So Fast?

Crabgrass is a type of weed that loves hot weather, compacted soil, and dry conditions. It tends to show up where your grass is struggling — especially along sidewalks, driveways, and curbs where the soil gets extra warm.

It’s an annual weed, which means it dies off in the fall, but it leaves seeds behind that come back even stronger next year.

Crabgrass grows fast and low to the ground, which helps it squeeze in where your lawn is thin or weak. Once it gets going, it’s hard to stop.

We call these problem areas “hot spots.” They’re the sunny, beat-up areas near hard surfaces or where the lawn gets mowed too short. These are crabgrass’s favorite places to take over.

When Does Crabgrass Start Growing in Ohio?

Crabgrass doesn’t show up right when spring starts. It waits until the soil (not just the air) warms up to about 55 degrees. That usually happens in early to mid-spring in Mentor, Painesville, Willoughby, and surrounding towns.

We monitor soil temperature closely to time our treatments. But even after the first batch of crabgrass starts growing, more can pop up weeks later, which is why we apply crabgrass preventer twice at the beginning of the season.

The Best Way to Prevent Crabgrass: Beat It Before It Starts

We apply a special type of product early in the season that acts like a shield, stopping crabgrass seeds from growing in the first place. It’s called a pre-emergent, which just means “before it emerges.”

Here’s how we handle it at Ecolawn:

• We apply it in granular form (little pellets) that get spread across your lawn. 
• We apply two rounds each spring to catch multiple waves of crabgrass before they sprout. 
• We carefully time the treatments around soil temperature, not just dates on a calendar. 

Common mistakes we see:

• Mowing the lawn too short right after treatment 
• Aerating (poking holes in the lawn) too soon, which can break the shield 
• Skipping the second round of treatment 

💧 Worried about rain?
Don’t be. Our crabgrass preventer doesn’t need to be watered in right away. If it rains or you mow right after, you’re still good to go.

What to Do If Crabgrass Has Already Taken Over

If crabgrass has already sprouted, don’t panic. It’s harder to control, but not impossible.

At this stage, we switch to a post-emergent treatment,  meaning we treat the weed after it’s already growing. We use a liquid spray that sticks to the leaves and attacks the plant directly. It’s way more effective than the “weed and feed” stuff you find at hardware stores.

👉 Should you pull it out by hand?
Nope. Not worth your time. The roots are too tough, and it usually comes right back.

👉 Is your lawn beyond saving?
If crabgrass has taken over more than half your yard, it might be time to start fresh. Fall is the best time to aerate and re-seed or install new grass — but summer is the time to plan and prep.

How to Make Your Lawn Stronger Than Crabgrass

Crabgrass shows up when your lawn is stressed. So the best way to keep it out long-term is to grow thick, healthy grass that pushes weeds out.

Here’s how:

• Mow high. Set your mower to 4 inches in the summer. Taller grass shades the soil and keeps weed seeds from growing. 
• Don’t scalp the edges. Trimming too close to sidewalks and curbs gives crabgrass a perfect place to grow. 
• Feed your lawn regularly. Healthy grass bounces back faster when the weather gets hot. 
• Water when needed. You don’t need to overdo it — but when your grass starts to wilt or change color, a deep soak helps protect your investment. 

What Makes Ecolawn’s Crabgrass Strategy Different?

Most big companies and DIY products use a “one-size-fits-all” approach. That usually means spraying the whole lawn with weed killer, even where there are no weeds.

At Ecolawn:

• We apply products only where they’re needed. 
• We use granular products early on, then switch to liquid sprays for spot treatment. 
• We teach you what’s really happening in your lawn so you can help keep it healthy between visits. 

🏡 One client in Mentor had crabgrass taking over the driveway edges every summer. After two seasons of following our guidance (and mowing higher!), those hot spots are now thick and green.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here’s a quick seasonal checklist to stay ahead of crabgrass:

Spring
✅ Apply crabgrass preventer
✅ Mow high and regularly
✅ Avoid disturbing the soil after treatment

Summer
✅ Watch for problem areas like curbs and bare patches
✅ Spot-treat with post-emergent sprays if needed
✅ Keep grass tall and healthy with regular care

Fall
✅ Plan for aeration and overseeding
✅ Consider a full renovation if your lawn is over 50% weeds
✅ Start prepping for next year’s strategy

When to Call in the Pros

Still fighting crabgrass no matter what you do?

Here’s when to bring in Ecolawn:

• You’ve tried DIY products with no success 
• Crabgrass keeps coming back every year 
• Your lawn has large bare spots or thin patches 
• You’re ready to renovate or start fresh 

We’ll examine the situation, determine its cause, and recommend a plan that actually works, not just a quick fix.

Get in touch today to schedule a lawn evaluation or get a quote!

Quick Answers: Crabgrass FAQs

What month should I apply crabgrass preventer in Ohio?
Late March to April — and again a few weeks later.

Does crabgrass die on its own in Ohio?
Yes, the first fall frost kills it — but beware! The seeds stick around.

Can I mow before or after applying crabgrass preventer?
Either is fine. Just don’t disturb the soil with heavy raking or aerating right after.

Is crabgrass harmful to my lawn?
Yes, crabgrass is harmful because it chokes out the good grass and leaves bare patches when it dies.

Why does crabgrass keep coming back?
Because its seeds live in the soil and wait for the right conditions to grow.

How is Ecolawn different from other Ohio Lawn Care Companies?
We use smarter timing, better products, and teach you how to take care of your lawn between visits.