Video: Prevent Goosegrass and Crabgrass This Season with Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control
Posted Tony Goldsby, Agronomist on February 15, 2019
Goosegrass and crabgrass are grassy annual weeds which germinate in the late spring and throughout the summer. They can be especially problematic in low cut turf areas such as putting greens and collar approaches.
The best approach to preventing an infestation of these problematic weeds is with an application of a pre-emergent product like The Andersons Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control.
Goosegrass/Crabgrass control is a combination of Bensulide and Oxadiazon for use on golf course tees, fairways, and greens. This product provides season-long control of goosegrass and crabgrass in bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, tall fescue, bentgrass, and perennial rye.
Product Information
Product Code: AGC8656.2
SGN: 80
Bag Weight: 28.8 lbs.
How To Apply
Even the most experienced turf managers can experience issues if they do not properly read the label when applying this product. Environmental conditions and turf leaf blade moisture play a crucial role in the efficacy and potential turf injury, so please take all necessary precautions when applying.
When should I apply?
For maximum control, Goosegrass/Crabgrass control should be applied prior to soil temperatures reaching 55 degrees at a four inch depth. Geographic-dependent factors such as temperature and annual rainfall amounts impact herbicide performance significantly, so please consult the label to determine your proper application timing.
To reduce the potential for yellowing or injury on established greens, we recommend applying only the half-rate to completely dry foliage. You can then make a subsequent application at the half-rate approximately 10-14 days later. The half-rate applies 1.31 lbs of product per 1,000 sq. ft.
Preparing for the Application
Fill your hopper with the amount of Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control product needed for your application area. Per the label directions, if you wish to apply a half-rate with full-width coverage, you need to have the spreader setting at G with your helical cone set at 9. The half-rate provides .75 lbs oxadiazon and 3.0 lbs bensulide per acre.
If you need more information on how to calibrate your spreader, please refer to our “Prizelawn ARC 1 spreader calibration” video.
Now that your spreader is filled, it is time to put your flags out for making the application. Make sure to place flags nine feet apart to represent your spreaders effective swath width. This product needs to be applied from the edge of one effective swath width to the next effective swath width. This is marked by the flags you placed marking the edges.
Applying the Product
Begin walking, making sure to keep a steady gate approximately 3 mph while aiming towards the center of the two flags representing the swath width.
For heavy goosegrass infestation, a full-rate of the product followed by a half rate application 30 days later may be necessary. However, when making this type of application to creeping bentgrass greens, be cautious to not over-apply during the second full-rate application. Over-application can cause significant turf thinning or damage.
Best Practices for Application
Here are a few best practices for applying Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control to ensure no turf injury occurs.
1) Apply to dry foliage.
2) Water-in immediately following product application.
3) Do not apply this product to thin or stressed turfgrass.
4) Avoid applying this product following aerification. Wait seven days prior to applying.
5) Avoid applying this product when temperature exceeds 80 degrees.
6) Only use a helical cone spreader from The Andersons to apply. Make sure cone is set to 9.
7) Calibrate spreader prior to use. If unsure how to do this, please refer to our video entitled, “Prizelawn ARC 1 spreader calibration”.
8) Use flags or another marking system to ensure correct swath width.
Additional Product Options
Labeled and formulated for use on bentgrass and bermudagrass greens, these products are the most effective preemergent controls for goosegrass and other stubborn grassy weeds.
0-0-5 + 0.103% Dithiopyr
Product Code: AGCDGDT5.40
SGN: 100
Bag Weight: 50 lbs.
0-0-20 + 0.164% Dithiopyr
Product Code: AGCSOPDT5.40
SGN: 100
Bag Weight: 50 lbs.
10-3-10 + 0.164% Dithiopyr
Product Code: AGC10WDT5.40
SGN: 100
Bag Weight: 50 lbs.
18-6-15 + 0.164% Dithiopyr
Product Code: AGC184DT5.40
SGN: 100
Bag Weight: 50 lbs.
Anthony “Tony” Goldsby is the Research Agronomist for The Andersons Professional Products business, responsible for research, service, and technical support. Prior to joining The Andersons, Tony received both his master’s and doctorate degrees from Kansas State University with an emphasis in turfgrass management. Specializing in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and turfgrass science and management, Tony is a firm believer in providing turfgrass education and enjoys helping customers establish or adjust their IPM or fertility programs.
