In the heartland of Minnesota, New London shines as a vibrant and cozy community that offers a welcoming environment to all who visit or decide to call it home. A blend of small-town warmth and picturesque landscapes makes this town a must-visit gem in Kandiyohi County.
One of the standout features of New London is its strong sense of community. Residents delight in the supportive, neighborly atmosphere that fosters togetherness through events like Music on the Beach, where locals come to enjoy the talents of local musicians against the backdrop of stunning lakeside views. The excitement continues as the annual New London to Brighton Antique Car Run brings people together to revel in a celebration of history and classic automobiles.
The natural beauty surrounding New London is simply unmatched. With access to serene lakes such as Lake Andrew and Lake Florida, this town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a picnic by the shore, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
New London’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping and delightful dining experiences, embodying both a vibrant and quaint atmosphere. The friendliness of local shop owners adds a p...
Discover the Charms of New London,
4 | HelloNew London, Minnesota • Spring Issue
Discover the Charms of New London, Minnesota
In the heartland of Minnesota, New London shines as a vibrant and cozy community that offers a welcoming environment to all who visit or decide to call it home. A blend of small-town warmth and picturesque landscapes makes this town a must-visit gem in Kandiyohi County.
One of the standout features of New London is its strong sense of community. Residents delight in the supportive, neighborly atmosphere that fosters togetherness through events like Music on the Beach, where locals come to enjoy the talents of local musicians against the backdrop of stunning lakeside views. The excitement continues as the annual New London to Brighton Antique Car Run brings people together to revel in a celebration of history and classic automobiles.
The natural beauty surrounding New London is simply unmatched. With access to serene lakes such as Lake Andrew and Lake Florida, this town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a picnic by the shore, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.
New London’s charming downtown offers boutique shopping and delightful dining experiences, embodying both a vibrant and quaint atmosphere. The friendliness of local shop owners adds a personal touch to every visit, making strolling down Main Street feel like a walk through a warm and welcoming storybook.
Come to New London, where community spirit and scenic beauty create a living tapestry of joy and connection. It's not just a place to live; it's a place you'll want to thrive.
Hello New London, Minnesota • Spring Issue |5
Discover the Charms of New London,
Crabgrass Prevention in Kandiyohi County
Each spring, lawns across Kandiyohi County face the same early challenge as temperatures begin to rise. Crabgrass is an annual grass that takes advantage of thin turf and warming soil. Once it becomes established, it spreads quickly and competes with healthy grass. Prevention is far more effective than
trying to remove it later in the season.Crabgrass prevention depends on timing more than any other factor. Many homeowners assume treatment should follow a calendar date, but soil temperature is the real indicator. Crabgrass seeds begin to germinate when soil temperatures stay consistently warm.
6 | HelloNew London, Minnesota • Spring Issue
Crabgrass Prevention in Kandiyohi County
Each spring, lawns across Kandiyohi County face the same early challenge as temperatures begin to rise. Crabgrass is an annual grass that takes advantage of thin turf and warming soil. Once it becomes established, it spreads quickly and competes with healthy grass. Prevention is far more effective than trying to remove it later in the season.
Crabgrass prevention depends on timing more than any other factor. Many homeowners assume treatment should follow a calendar date, but soil temperature is the real indicator. Crabgrass seeds begin to germinate when soil temperatures stay consistently warm. Applying a preventer before this point is critical for success.
In Kandiyohi County, spring weather patterns can vary from year to year. Cool spells may linger even when days feel warmer. If a crabgrass pre-emergant is applied too early, its effectiveness may wear off before germination begins. If applied too late, crabgrass may already be growing.
Pre-emergent treatment for crabgrass works by stopping seeds from developing into mature plants. They do not kill existing grasses. This makes timing essential. Once crabgrass sprouts, prevention products are no longer effective against it.
Soil temperature usually reaches the critical range in late spring, often before consistent summer weather arrives. Monitoring local conditions rather than fixed dates leads to better results. This approach helps align treatment with actual growth patterns. Lawns benefit when applications match natural timing.
Crabgrass prevention becomes more complex when overseeding is planned. Many pre-emergent treatment products can also block the germination of desirable grass seed. If seeding and prevention overlap, new grass may fail to establish. This conflict is one of the most common issues homeowners face.
When overseeding is desired, timing decisions become especially important. Some lawns may benefit from delaying crabgrass pre-emergant to allow seed growth. In this case, post-emerge application is recommended in order to keep crab grass in check. Each situation requires careful evaluation.
Addressing thin, damaged, or compacted turf early in the season reduces the number of exposed germination sites. Improving soil structure and re‑establishing turf density helps block sunlight at the soil line and keeps temperatures more stable, lowering weed pressure throughout the season.
Good cultural practices—proper mowing, watering, aeration, and overseeding—work hand‑in‑hand with weed control products to keep these problem areas from becoming annual hotspots.
Bare soil and compacted areas warm up faster in spring, creating ideal conditions for crabgrass germination. With no turf canopy to shade the ground, sunlight reaches the soil directly, raising temperatures into the 55–60°F range where crabgrass begins to sprout. Compacted soil also holds moisture inconsistently, which further encourages early germination.
Because these spots activate sooner than the rest of the lawn, they often become the first—and sometimes the only—areas where crabgrass breaks through.
Weather patterns also influence how crabgrass develops during the season. Extended warm periods accelerate growth once germination begins. Rainfall can further encourage spread in untreated areas. Early prevention helps avoid these compounding effects.
Pre‑emergent herbicides provide strong protection, but certain growing conditions can still allow early breakthrough. In seasons with rapid warm‑ups, thin turf coming out of winter, or lawns with a history of crabgrass pressure, a post‑emergent application may be needed alongside the pre‑emergent. This combination helps control any seedlings that germinate before the barrier is fully active or in areas where soil conditions reduce product effectiveness.
Crabgrass prevention works best when applications are timed to soil conditions, not the calendar. This principle is especially important in climates with variable spring temperatures. Adjusting timing year to year improves consistency. Lawns benefit from this responsive approach.
Missed timing often leads to heavier weed pressure through summer. Crabgrass grows aggressively and can crowd out desirable grass. As it dies off in fall, it leaves bare areas behind. These spots often become problem areas again the following spring.
Preventing crabgrass also supports long term turf health. Reducing competition allows grass roots to develop more fully. This leads to thicker lawns that resist future weed invasion. Prevention is an investment in overall lawn stability.
Soil temperature awareness helps avoid unnecessary treatments as well. Applying products only when needed reduces stress on turf. It also supports responsible lawn management. Precision benefits both grass and soil health.
In Kandiyohi County, lawns vary widely based on sun exposure, soil type, and use. These factors can affect how quickly soil warms. Shaded lawns may need different timing than open areas. Observing conditions at ground level matters.
Crabgrass prevention should be part of a broader lawn care plan. Fertility, mowing, and watering habits all influence outcomes. When these elements work together, weed pressure decreases naturally. Prevention becomes more reliable and predictable.
Ultimately, success comes from matching treatment to conditions rather than routine. Crabgrass does not follow a schedule, and lawns should not either. Paying attention to soil temperature and turf needs makes a measurable difference. This approach helps reduce weeds while protecting healthy grass.
Guy Mayhew
Applying a preventer before this point is critical for success.In Kandiyohi County, spring weather patterns can vary from year to year. Cool spells may linger even when days feel warmer. If a crabgrass pre-emergant is applied too early, its effectiveness may wear off before germination begins. If applied too late,
crabgrass may already be growing.Pre-emergent treatment for crabgrass works by stopping seeds from developing into mature plants. They do not kill existing grasses. This makes timing essential. Once crabgrass sprouts, prevention products are no longer effective against it.Soil temperature usually reaches the critical range in late spring, often before consistent summer weather arrives. Monitoring local conditions rather than fixed dates leads to better results. This approach helps align treatment with actual growth patterns. Lawns benefit when applications match natural timing.Crabgrass prevention becomes more complex when...
Crabgrass prevention works best when applications are timed to soil conditions, not the calendar.
About the Author
Guy Mayhew brings more than 30 years of experience to Tree-n-Turf Services. Raised in the New London Spicer area, he has deep local roots and hands-on knowledge. Guy spent 14 years as a lawn care applicator and 13 years as a lawn care manager, overseeing all aspects of lawn and tree care services.
