Fescue – Killing Weeds

Q: I’ve put down crabgrass killer on my fescue lawn and the weeds are browning nicely. Should I pull the weed remnants out before I reseed this fall?

A: Pulling up the remnants of crabgrass is pleasurable due to the “revenge” factor but it won’t help you control the weed. Each plant has already dropped hundreds of seeds, which will sprout next year unless you apply a weed preventer next March. A vigorously growing lawn is also a weed preventer. Do your best to keep your fescue healthy by fertilizing now plus in November, February and April. Mow it at three and one-half inches to keep weed seeds in shade.