Standard Trimec does not kill crabgrass. However, Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer contains quinclorac, a herbicide that is effective at killing crabgrass. If you use a Trimec product without quinclorac, it will not kill crabgrass or any other grassy weeds. It is essential to know what type of grass is in your lawn before using a Trimec crabgrass killer. Quinclorac is safe for most lawn grasses, but can be harmful to a few popular species of grass.
Which Trimec Products Kill Crabgrass?
In order to kill crabgrass with a Trimec weed killer, it’s essential to use Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer. It contains the crabgrass-killing herbicide quinclorac. Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer contains the same ingredients for killing broadleaf weeds found in other Trimec products, with the addition of quinclorac. This makes Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer effective across a broad spectrum of weeds.
- Trimec Plus Crabgrass is the only Trimec product that can kill crabgrass.
- Other Trimec products will attack broadleaf weeds but won’t kill crabgrass.
- You can kill broadleaf weeds and crabgrass at the same time with Trimec Plus Crabgrass.
- Trimec Plus Crabgrass is not safe for St. Augustine, Bahiagrass, or Centipede grass lawns.
Because Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer contains quinclorac, it is safe for most lawns but not all. Quinclorac harms St. Augustine, Centipede grass, and Bahiagrass. If you have one of these varieties growing in your yard, do not spray any products that contain quinclorac. If your lawn is not one of these 3 varieties, you can safely spray Trimec Plus Crabgrass to kill broadleaf weeds and crabgrass without doing any damage to your lawn.
What Varieties of Trimec Won’t Kill Crabgrass?
Any Trimec products that do not specifically state on the label that they will kill crabgrass will not harm this pest grass. This is because standard Trimec products contain 2,4-D, mecoprop, and dicamba. These three herbicides attack broadleaf plants such as dandelions, clover, and thistles, but they won’t harm lawn grass or grassy weeds. Spraying standard Trimec products on crabgrass will have no effect.
- This standard Trimec weed killer is not effective at killing crabgrass.
- Trimec products that do not kill crabgrass are still very effective at killing broadleaf weeds.
- If your Trimec product does not kill crabgrass, it is safe for all grass types.
The good news about Trimec products that are not labeled as “crabgrass killers” is that they are safe for all lawn types. If you have a St. Augustine, Centipede grass, or Bahiagrass lawn, you can safely spray standard Trimec without any fear. It won’t harm your lawn, and it will kill several species of weeds.
How Do You Mix Trimec Crabgrass Killer?
To mix concentrated Trimec Crabgrass Killer for use in your lawn, add 2.5 to 5 fluid ounces of Trimec to a pump sprayer, followed by 1 gallon of water. If you are spot-treating crabgrass in your lawn, it’s best to use 2.5 fluid ounces of Trimec per gallon of water. If you are spraying your entire lawn, use 5 fluid ounces of Trimec for each gallon of water. This will provide the proper concentration to effectively kill weeds and crabgrass.
- Pour 2.5 to 5 fluid ounces of Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer concentrate into your sprayer.
- Add 1 gallon of water to the sprayer to properly dilute the concentrated weed killer.
- 2.5 fluid ounces of weed killer concentrate is sufficient if you are spot-treating weeds.
- 5 fluid ounces of weed killer concentrate is best for treating your entire lawn.
It is always best to pour the herbicide into your sprayer first, followed by adding water with a hose. This helps the herbicide concentrate mix with the water naturally. Adding the herbicide after you’ve already filled the sprayer with water can cause the solution to mix poorly.
How Do You Use Trimec Crabgrass Killer?
To apply Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer, first, make sure you are applying Trimec at the right time. Then, mix and dilute concentrated Trimec according to the label instructions. Once your mixture is prepared, start spraying. The herbicidal active ingredients in Trimec must be absorbed through the leaves of weeds in order to kill them. So, you must thoroughly mist the leaves of all the weeds you wish to kill. If you don’t want to spot-treat weeds, you can spray your entire lawn, since Trimec won’t attack your grass.
- Choose the right time to spray Trimec, so it is effective.
- Properly dilute and mix your Trimec concentrate.
- Spray weeds so their leaves are thoroughly misted with Trimec.
- Do not allow Trimec spray to reach any desirable plants, including garden plants, bushes, trees, and ornamental grasses.
Be sure to prevent Trimec spray from drifting onto nearby broadleaf plants such as shrubs, trees, flowers, and vegetables. The herbicides will attack and kill these plants systemically. It’s also best to make sure Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer is not sprayed onto ornamental grasses, since it may attack these as well.
How Long Does it Take for Trimec Crabgrass Killer to Work?
Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer destroys broadleaf weeds and crabgrass in 14–21 days. This may seem like a long time to wait for results, but it’s worth it. Trimec contains systemic herbicides that fully kill weeds, including the root. Most fast-acting herbicides only destroy the aboveground portion of the plant, which leaves plants free to grow back from the roots.
- Weeds will die fully 14–21 days after they are sprayed with Trimec.
- 2 weeks is required to allow Trimec to kill the entire root network of the weeds.
- Follow our guide if you’re not sure whether to spray for weeds before or after mowing.
After spraying Trimec, wait at least 2 days before you mow the weeds in your lawn. If you mow too soon, the leaves that have absorbed the Trimec may be cut off before the herbicide has worked its way down to the roots. This can allow the weeds to recover and flourish again.
Can You Use Trimec to Kill Crabgrass?
If you are considering using Trimec to kill the crabgrass in your yard, follow these tips:
- Only Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer will crabgrass in your lawn.
- Trimec products that are not labeled as “crabgrass killer” will not destroy crabgrass.
- Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer contains the added ingredient quinclorac, which kills crabgrass.
- Quinclorac is not safe for St. Augustine, Centipede grass, or Bahiagrass.
- Trimec Plus Crabgrass Killer kills broadleaf weeds and crabgrass to the root in 14–21 days.
These quick facts will help you pick the right Trimec products for your purposes and your specific type of grass. Once you’ve got the product, the right dilution and application methods will wipe out weeds and leave you with a healthy lawn.