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SheltieLover

(82,912 posts)
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 02:46 PM Friday

What can I use to get rid of crabgrass without harming groundcover?

I detest chemicals, but this crabgrass (just a small patch) is very problematic as it grows about 100 xs quicker than the rest of the lawn.

Tyia!

Ps: Bonus if such a product exists that is not harmful to animals, bees, etc.

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What can I use to get rid of crabgrass without harming groundcover? (Original Post) SheltieLover Friday OP
Claw it out with a weeder bucolic_frolic Friday #1
Ty SheltieLover Friday #3
From what I read: manual (especially after nice rain), vinegar+dish soap+ niyad Friday #2
Tyvm SheltieLover Friday #4
It was also suggested to aerate if possible. Seems soil compaction niyad Friday #5
Ty SheltieLover Friday #6
A stirrup hoe if it is small GreatGazoo Friday #7
Ty SheltieLover Friday #9
Boiling water narrow spout Ponietz Friday #8
Ty SheltieLover Friday #10

bucolic_frolic

(56,423 posts)
1. Claw it out with a weeder
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 03:04 PM
Friday

I used crab grass killer long ago, results were less than mixed. Maybe they've made improvements?

Another trick is to cut the grass high so the taller varieties squeeze out the crabgrass.

Or just pull the seeds when they appear to cut down on next year.

niyad

(135,586 posts)
2. From what I read: manual (especially after nice rain), vinegar+dish soap+
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 03:05 PM
Friday

salt, or boiling water.

niyad

(135,586 posts)
5. It was also suggested to aerate if possible. Seems soil compaction
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 03:15 PM
Friday

exacerbates the problem. I used to use an old pair of high heels. Some use golf shoes, but the cleats do not go deeply enough. They work fine, however, if one is just sowing clover!

GreatGazoo

(4,814 posts)
7. A stirrup hoe if it is small
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 04:03 PM
Friday

a spade if it is bigger. I try to get under it with a shovel and then pull it out.

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