A Much Different Start to the Year

A year ago we had record high temperatures and we were scrambling to apply preemergence herbicides for crabgrass control. On March 22 last year, I had crabgrass germinating in my garden! However, this year I can tell you that crabgrass is a long ways off from germinating today. The chart below shows the dramatic difference between 2012 and 2013, especially starting on March 7. I’ll continue to keep you updated as we progress this year on how the weather impacts our turf management.

Dr. Aaron Patton, Turfgrass Extension Specialist