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Johnsongrass and crabgrass are invasive weeds that can overtake your lawn. Crabgrass is a low-growing grass most often seen in lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. While you may find Johnsongrass growing in your lawn, it will also grow in pastures, crop fields, and the edge of the road. Johnsongrass is much coarser than crabgrass. If left alone, Johnsongrass can grow up to 8 feet tall. 

Pulling weeds once per month is typically often enough to keep most weeds at bay. But in general, it's best to pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent deep root growth and slow their spread. To make it easier, plan your weed pulling after rain or after the sprinklers run so the soil will be nice and wet and the weeds will be easier to pull. If you notice moss accompanying weeds, make a plan to remove the moss immediately to prevent damage.

Each type of weed comes with its own control methods, but stopping the seed spread is the first step. Grazing, mowing, and hand pulling can slow the invasion. In some cases, selective herbicide is necessary to stop a persistent weed from overtaking an area.

Burning is not a recommended method for controlling foxtail grasses. In a large pasture scenario, the fire moves too quickly through the weeds to effectively burn and kill the seeds, meaning they will resprout eventually. If your lawn is overrun with foxtails, it’s best to consult a lawn care professional for suggestions on how to permanently remove it from your property.