Controlling Crabgrass in Centipede Grass Lawns (South Carolina)

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) is a warm-season annual that invades thin lawns. In South Carolina, it can persist year-round in mild winters. Control requires a two-pronged approach: prevent seed production and use targeted herbicides.

Identify & Understand the Weed

Crabgrass spreads by seed, germinating when soil temps reach ~55°F. It dies at frost but returns from seed each spring. Preventing seed heads is critical—mow low before seeding or hand-pull with seed heads bagged.

Herbicide Options

• Post-emergent (grassy-weed killers): Look for labels listing "crabgrass, Digitaria." MSMA/DSMA (arsenic-based) are effective but restricted near water.
• Pre-emergent (preventers): Apply in early fall and mid-winter in Zone 8. Products with pendimethalin, prodiamine, or dithiopyr stop germination.
• Weed-and-feed with pre-emergent: Convenient but verify label says "pre-emergent," not just "preventive."

Centipede Grass Caution

Centipede is sensitive to many herbicides. Use reduced rates and spot-treat. Avoid 2,4-D and high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Long-Term Strategy

Combine pre-emergent in fall/winter with dense turf maintenance (proper mowing, watering, fertilizing) to crowd out future invasions. Neighbor cooperation helps reduce seed rain.