Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring before crabgrass germinates
Mow your lawn at the proper height for your grass type
Keep mower blades sharp
Water deeply and infrequently
Fertilize appropriately based on soil needs
Hand-pull small crabgrass patches before they seed
Spot-treat active crabgrass with a post-emergent herbicide labeled for crabgrass
Reapply post-emergent treatment as directed on the label
Overseed thin areas to crowd out crabgrass
Improve soil health with aeration and proper pH
Remove crabgrass plants before they produce seeds
Maintain dense turf to prevent new crabgrass growth