Can You Use Boiling Water to Kill Crabgrass?

Boiling water is useful when it comes to getting rid of most weeds. The high temperature scorches the plant, much like a warm summer day. It also prevents the weeds from spreading seeds and growing. However, crabgrass is much more resilient than most weeds.

You can use boiling water to kill crabgrass. Boil the water to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then slowly pour it on and around the crabgrass. Make sure the water soaks through the soil to reach the roots. Keep the boiling water away from plants you want to stay in the lawn or garden.

In this article, I’ll dive into the reasons why boiling water gets rid of crabgrass, how you can do it, and how long it takes. I’ll also provide a few tips to prevent hot water from damaging your soil.

Does Boiling Hot Water Kill Crabgrass?

If you pour boiling water on crabgrass, it’ll definitely do some damage. Most plants can’t withstand the heat of boiling water. It destroys the plant’s cells, making it much more difficult for them to grow back. However, crabgrass can often survive the first bout of boiling water.

Here’s what you should know about using boiling water to kill crabgrass:

• Don’t use boiling water on crabgrass if you applied an herbicide. You also shouldn’t cut weeds before spraying since longer weeds (including crabgrass) absorb more of the chemical treatment. If you pour boiling water on the herbicide, it’ll wash it away.
• You have to pour the boiling water on the soil around the crabgrass as well as the whole plant. If you avoid the soil, the crabgrass roots will regenerate new plants. They’ll also spread seeds around the dirt, increasing the chances of having another crabgrass problem.
• Crabgrass can drop seeds that grow throughout the area. Whether or not you use boiling water, herbicides, lawnmowers, or other tactics, crabgrass is a problematic weed. Killing the crabgrass can drop seeds everywhere.
• Some crabgrass has roots that are too strong or deep to be damaged by boiling water. You might have to manually remove the crabgrass by hand. Using small hand shovels is often the slowest but most effective method.
• You might have to apply several gallons of boiling water if you have a lot of crabgrass. Dense crabgrass with deep roots calls for a lot of boiling water. While it’s better for the environment, this method isn’t always the most practical.

If boiling water doesn’t kill crabgrass, you can burn the crabgrass with a lawn torch. Also known as weed burners, these handy tools scorch weeds instantly. Wait until the crabgrass dries before using these torches though; otherwise, the damp crabgrass might not burn properly.

Check out this helpful video to learn how boiling water kills crabgrass and other weeds:

How Long Does It Take Boiling Water to Remove Crabgrass?

It takes boiling water about one to two days to remove crabgrass. You might need to add a bit of boiling water to the crabgrass daily until the weeds go away. If you’ve added boiling water daily for a week and there’s still a lot of crabgrass, try switching to a natural herbicide.

It might seem like your yard suddenly has crabgrass, but it typically takes a few weeks for this invasive weed to overwhelm your lawn. Boiling water is highly effective when it comes to removing small amounts of crabgrass. However, it’s not the best choice if you have a lawn full of these weeds.

Speed up the process with these suggestions:

• Pour boiling water on crabgrass during the hottest hours of the day without watering it. This process ensures the crabgrass doesn’t get healthy hydration. It’ll scorch the grass, preventing it from absorbing the moisture.
• Use a hand shovel to loosen the soil around the crabgrass after applying the boiling water. You’ll be able to manually remove the crabgrass in large clumps after using the hot water. This quick trick takes a little longer, but it’s much more likely to get rid of the crabgrass for good.
• Pour the boiling water slowly on the crabgrass to prevent it from splashing on nearby plants. You should also wear long sleeves, gloves, and protective glasses. Slow and steady ensures all of the boiling water gets on and around the crabgrass to remove it as quickly as possible.

Note: Don’t use a plastic watering can with boiling water. You’ll melt the plastic and make it too hot to carry. Instead, use a cooking pot or a water boiler. You’ll have to make several trips, which is why it’s typically better to use this method on small patches of crabgrass.

Does Boiling Water Damage Soil?

Boiling water damages soil because it can alter the pH, nutrient density, and seeds in the soil. It can also dry or clump the dirt, making it more difficult for grass seeds and other plants to grow. However, the soil can be recovered by mixing it with topsoil.

If you add topsoil to the dirt, make sure you only add three or four inches. Too much topsoil is a bad thing because it makes the soil spongey and moldy. Till and mix the topsoil with the old, damaged soil for better results. Sometimes, aeration makes all the difference.

Flourishing Plants recommends never exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit since it can scorch the soil. However, it needs to be hot enough to burn the crabgrass (which is why I suggest 165 degrees Fahrenheit).

People often use boiling water to kill crabgrass and other weeds because it doesn’t produce toxic fumes. While it takes a little bit longer and isn’t always as effective, it’s an excellent solution to have on hand. You don’t need to grab extra products, either. However, a hand shovel can help you in a pinch.

In Conclusion

While boiling water can kill crabgrass, you might have to remove it from its roots. Furthermore, boiling water can damage nearby grass, flowers, bushes, and other plants. This effective technique should be used with caution. If all else fails, remove the crabgrass manually.