Which summer annual grasses are best controlled in late winter/early spring?

The best time to control summer annual grasses, such as crabgrass and goosegrass, is indeed in late winter or early spring. This timing is essential because these grasses germinate from seed and begin to grow as soils warm up in the early spring months. By applying pre-emergent herbicides during this period, you can effectively prevent the seeds from germinating, thereby reducing the establishment of these troublesome weeds in your turf.

Crabgrass, in particular, is a common weed that thrives in warmer temperatures, and targeting it before it has the chance to sprout is crucial for effective management. Goosegrass, similarly, responds well to control measures taken at this time as it is also a summer annual that starts to emerge in the cool, wet conditions of early spring.

In contrast, other grass types or weeds mentioned in the other options have different life cycles or growth patterns. For example, clover is a perennial and does not follow the same management strategy as summer annuals so would not be effectively controlled with this timing. Likewise, dandelions, which are perennials, can be managed differently. Bermudagrass and fine fescue are established grasses that would not be controlled through the same preventative measures directed at summer annuals. Therefore