Seasonal Lawn Care

Look at the base of the plant. Goosegrass has a flat, rosette-like shape with a distinctive silvery-white center where the stems meet the ground. Crabgrass lacks this silver center and has hairy, light green leaves that spread outward more loosely.

Many pre-emergent herbicides control both weeds, but timing and product selection matter. Goosegrass germinates about two to four weeks later than crabgrass, so you may need a split application or an extended-release product to cover both germination windows.

Goosegrass is known for being more herbicide-resistant than crabgrass, particularly to some post-emergent products. It also thrives in compacted soil, so without aeration and turf improvement, conditions will continue to favor its return each season.

Apply pre-emergent for crabgrass when soil temperatures at a 2-inch depth consistently reach 50–55°F, typically early to mid-spring. For goosegrass coverage, aim for a product with residual activity or apply a second treatment as soil temps climb above 60°F.

DIY product delivery plans typically cost $150–$250 per year for a 5,000 sq ft lawn. Professional full-service plans for the same size lawn generally run $400–$600 annually, depending on your region and what services are included.