Question
Hello Mr. Persaud,

I'm not sure if I'll be able to fully benefit from your expertise living in Wisconsin (53538), but hopefully you can give me some advice.  I have a new construction home (2 years old).  Last year, we tried seeding (topsoil from the lot was scraped and relayed after construction was completed) and everything was completely flooded out 3 days later with a downpoor we had (2 1/2 inches of rain in 20 minutes).  With the rest of the rain we received, we didn't even attempt it.  This year, we had someone come out and til up the lot, go over the lot with a rake and seed and straw for us.  It has been 2 1/2 weeks since, and while the front and side are coming in nicely (only some crabgrass) the back is loaded with crab grass, already almost a foot high.  I don't want to cut the grass yet, and our landscapers told us not to do anything until next spring, when we can lay down a weed killer and turf builder.  There is grass growing in our back yard, but I'm afraid the crabgrass is going to take over the lot if I wait until next spring to do something about it.  Any thoughts or suggestions about how to handle this would be great.  Would you apply something this fall, try pulling the crabgrass by hand (which would take some doing) 3/4 acre lot.  I'm fairly new to this and would appreciate some info.  This is our second attempt, which we've put a lot of money into.  I don't want to have to do it all over again next year.


Answer
Treat your lawn as usual; mow at the highest height the lawn mower will allow, bag the clippings and wait for winter. In cold weather, crabgrass will be killed. Next spring, as soon as the temperature turns 70 degrees round the clock. apply a pre-emergent weedkiller. This will prevent the weed seeds from germinating.