Crabgrass in New Seeded Lawn: Pre-Emergent Next Spring

An 8-week-old seeded lawn has crabgrass in sunny areas. Crabgrass is an annual that dies at frost but sets seed. Control: apply pre-emergent (Scotts Turf Builder with Halts) next spring when forsythia blooms (soil ~55°F). This stops crabgrass seeds from germinating.

Note: pre-emergent also prevents grass seed germination—do not overseed in spring if using it. Overseed in fall instead. For current summer, spot-spray young crabgrass with post-emergent (may discolor turf) or wait for frost and use pre-emergent next spring.