How to get rid of crabgrass in your Massachusetts lawn
- jmelo67
- Dec 30, 2025
- 7 min read
by Jorge Melo
If you are searching for how to get rid of crabgrass in Massachusetts, here is the truth most homeowners learn the hard way. Crabgrass does not take over lawns because it is unbeatable. It takes over because prevention was missed, the lawn was thin, or nothing was done at all. Across South Coast Massachusetts, from Mattapoisett to Fairhaven, crabgrass shows up when lawns are stressed, neglected, or cut too short. Once it is established, spraying alone rarely solves the problem. Real crabgrass control requires prevention in spring, targeted treatment in summer, and building a thick lawn that leaves no room for weeds.
At New England Tree & Landscape, we have spent over three decades caring for lawns throughout South Coast Massachusetts. What works here is specific to our climate, soil, and seasonal swings. This guide explains what actually works, why crabgrass spreads so aggressively in our area, and what to do whether you are early, late, or already overwhelmed.
What is crabgrass?
Crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed that thrives in weak lawns. Unlike dandelions or clover, crabgrass is not a broadleaf weed, which means it cannot be controlled with standard weed killers without risking turf damage.
In South Coast Massachusetts, crabgrass typically begins germinating once soil temperatures rise consistently in late spring. You often see it first along sidewalks, driveways, and road edges in Fairhaven and New Bedford. Pavement heats the soil faster, giving crabgrass an early advantage.
Crabgrass grows outward in clumps, spreading low and wide while choking out desirable grass. One neglected lawn we encountered was nearly 100 percent crabgrass due to years of neglect. No prevention. No treatment. No consistent mowing. Once crabgrass reaches that point, it is no longer a nuisance. It is a complete turf failure.
Why do I have so much crabgrass?
In our work across Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Marion, and Rochester, heavy crabgrass infestations almost always come down to the same issues:
No spring pre-emergent
No post-emergent once crabgrass appeared
Lawns mowed too short
Thin turf from neglect or compaction
Heat and drought stress
Crabgrass fills the space where grass is failing. Coastal moisture, compacted soils, and inconsistent maintenance weaken turf long before weeds appear.
How to get rid of crabgrass
Crabgrass control in Massachusetts requires two phases: prevention first, control second.
Post-emergent herbicides
Once crabgrass is actively growing, post-emergent herbicides are the only realistic option for widespread infestations. Hand pulling works only for isolated plants.
For cool-season lawns across South Coast Massachusetts, Drive (quinclorac) is one of the most effective post-emergents when applied correctly. Timing matters. Crabgrass must be actively growing, and follow-up applications are often required.
This is why professional crabgrass control programs are structured over time rather than relying on one spray.
Crabgrass removal by grass type
Most South Coast Massachusetts lawns are cool-season turf. These grasses respond well to selective post-emergents when applied correctly. Using the wrong product or timing almost always leads to poor results or turf damage.
How can I prevent crabgrass?
The most effective crabgrass removal strategy is prevention.
Early spring pre-emergent crabgrass control in South Coast Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, pre-emergent timing should never rely on calendar dates. Spring weather varies too much. The most reliable indicator is forsythia bloom.
When forsythias bloom across South Coast Massachusetts, soil temperatures are approaching the crabgrass germination window. That is when crabgrass preventer should be applied.
Pre-emergents stop seeds from germinating. They do not kill existing plants. Miss this window, and you are reacting, not preventing.
Preventative treatments are a core part of our professional lawn care services across South Coast Massachusetts.
Mowing practices to get rid of crabgrass
Lawns cut too short lose their ability to shade the soil. This allows sunlight to heat the ground and trigger crabgrass germination, especially along sidewalks and driveways in Fairhaven and New Bedford.
Best practices include:
Mowing higher
Avoiding edge scalping
Keeping consistent schedules
Does mowing crabgrass spread it?
Mowing does not spread crabgrass unless the plant has already gone to seed. Early control prevents this problem.
Aeration and overseeding: dual solutions for crabgrass control
A thick lawn is the strongest natural crabgrass preventer.
What is aeration?
Aeration relieves soil compaction and improves root growth. Compacted soils are common in Rochester and Marion.
The magic of overseeding
Overseeding fills thin areas that crabgrass would otherwise occupy. When turf is beyond recovery, ourlawn installation services may be the most effective reset.
Fertilizing to get rid of crabgrass
Fertilization does not kill crabgrass. It strengthens turf so weeds have fewer opportunities. Healthy lawns compete. Weak lawns invite weeds.
Frequently asked questions about crabgrass control
What will kill crabgrass but not your lawn?
Selective post-emergent herbicides designed for grassy weeds, such as quinclorac, can control crabgrass without harming cool-season turf when applied correctly.
How to control crabgrass in the fall?
Fall is not for killing crabgrass. It dies naturally after frost. Fall is for aeration, overseeding, and fertilization, so next spring’s lawn is dense enough to prevent it.
What month do you kill crabgrass?
In Massachusetts, post-emergent treatments are usually applied from late spring through summer when crabgrass is actively growing.
When to put crabgrass preventer down in Massachusetts?
Apply pre-emergent when forsythias bloom. This is more reliable than calendar dates due to unpredictable spring temperatures.
Is it better to pull or spray crabgrass?
Pulling works for small patches. Spraying is more effective for widespread infestations common across South Coast Massachusetts.
My front yard is getting out of hand with crabgrass. What should I do?
Start with post-emergent treatment to stop active growth. Then plan for spring prevention and focus on turf density. Severe cases often require professional help.
I sprayed two weeks ago, and some crabgrass survived. Should I spray again?
Possibly. Crabgrass often requires multiple applications depending on the growth stage.
How do you know when it makes sense to kill the lawn and start fresh?
If more than half of the lawn is crabgrass or weeds and there is very little healthy grass left, spot treatments usually are not worth the time or money. When a lawn has been neglected for years, the soil, turf density, and weed pressure are working against you.
In those cases, it often makes more sense to reset the lawn and start fresh rather than fighting the same problem every season. We usually recommend this only after explaining all options, including recovery over time, so homeowners can make the right decision for their property and budget.
What zone is South Coast Massachusetts?
South Coast Massachusetts spans two USDA hardiness zones due to coastal influence and elevation:
Mattapoisett, MA: Zone 7a, with milder winters and earlier soil warm-up
Fairhaven, MA: Zone 7a, especially near the harbor and coastline
Marion, MA: Borderline 6b–7a, with inland areas behaving cooler
Rochester, MA: Primarily Zone 6b, with slower spring soil warming
New Bedford, MA: Mostly Zone 7a, particularly in developed and waterfront areas
These differences affect crabgrass timing and are why prevention cannot rely on dates alone.
Can I use Roundup to kill crabgrass before fall overseeding?
Roundup is non-selective and kills everything it contacts. It can be used cautiously for spot treatments but must be followed by proper reseeding.
Can I apply crabgrass preventer in the fall?
No. Crabgrass preventers are only effective in the spring before germination.
Frequently asked questions about New England Tree & Landscape
Is New England Tree & Landscape a family-owned business?
Yes. New England Tree & Landscape is family-owned and operated. We have been serving South Coast Massachusetts for over 35 years, and our reputation is personal. We are not a franchise or a corporate brand.
How long has New England Tree & Landscape been in business?
We have been in business for more than 35 years. That experience matters with problems like crabgrass because timing, soil conditions, and weather patterns change every year. We are not guessing or following a script.
Do you offer one-time treatments or only ongoing programs?
We offer both. One-time treatments can help in the short term, but crabgrass usually comes back if the lawn stays thin. Long-term control comes from prevention and proper lawn care.
Do you use organic products for crabgrass control?
No. Organic products are not reliable for crabgrass control in this region. We use proven treatments and apply them at the right time so they actually work.
What should I expect during my first season with New England Tree & Landscape?
The first season is about gaining control. That means stopping active crabgrass, preventing new growth, and strengthening the lawn. Some lawns improve quickly. Others take a full season, depending on past neglect. We set expectations clearly.
Why homeowners across South Coast Massachusetts hire us
Frustrated homeowners across Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Marion, Rochester, and New Bedford call us when DIY approaches fail. In our 35+ years in business, we have learned that crabgrass control is about timing, consistency, and turf health.
We serve:
Final thoughts and next steps
Crabgrass is predictable. Miss the timing, weaken the lawn, and it moves in. Fix those issues, and it disappears.
Need help with crabgrass removal and long-term control in South Coast Massachusetts?
Contact New England Tree & Landscape today for professional lawn care and weed control.
Phone: 508 763 8000
Sources
Joaquim, Teresa. “How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard.” LawnStarter, 29 Apr. 2025, https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawn-care-2/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass/.
Smith, Theresa. “How to Get Rid of Crabgrass.” NaturaLawn of America, 23 Sept. 2024, https://naturalawn.com/lawn-care-tips/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass.
“Crabgrass Control Services.” New England Lawn Care, https://nelawncare.com/crabgrass-control-western-ma/.
“Controlling Crabgrass in New England Lawns.” Seacoast Turf Care, https://seacoastturfcare.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass-in-your-lawn.
“The Davey Tree Expert Company.” “How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in the Summer.” Davey Blog, 13 June 2022, https://blog.davey.com/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass-in-the-summer/.
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