I have identified the three biggest problems with my lawn, which was a cow pasture several decades ago before naturally evolving into my lawn. Right now I have more bare spots than I like.

In the fall there are patches of brown mixed with the green. During the summer I face lots of wide-leafed, yellow green grass that makes the mower groan every time it gets near it.

My problems are crab grass. There are a handful of crab grass varieties but none are a desirable addition to the lawn. All are annuals, prolific growers, and produce lots of new seed each growing season. Seldom do I see the seed heads, but regular mowing seems to have no effect on future generations. It keeps coming back with a vengeance.

The conventional wisdom is to spray herbicide, fertilize heavily and keep the water coming. The theory is that if you provide a dense mat of grass, the crab grass seed will be shaded and not germinate. This is true, since most seeds need some light to germinate.

When I have those thoughts, I look at the nearby creek and think of the environmental impacts of the above regime. Do I accept what nature gives me, or do I try incremental efforts to make my lawn look more like a lawn?

Several years ago, after the fall brown spots appeared, I rented one of those self-powered seeding machines and hit the largest areas of brown spots. I followed directions going one way and then cris-crossing while using lots of seed.

I got a beautiful patchwork of grass seedlings. Unfortunately, by the following summer, at the peak of the crab grass season, I could see a regular pattern of a few pathetic blades of my seedlings sticking through the mats of crab grass.

As I ponder my fate, I have decided that maybe a bit of herbicide at the worst spots is friendlier than the water and fertilizer needed to get the lush shade to prevent germination.

If you spray, ask questions and read the label. Better yet, get a professional to do it. Corn gluten is the organic alternative to chemicals. The critical issue is that the time for action is now. Crab grass starts to germinate as the forsythia bloom and you need to prevent germination to get control.

Is this the year I make a move or will I just continue as a cheerleader to encourage my mower to confront the crab grass? Don't rush me, I'm still thinking. My forsythias are just in peak bloom. I have a few more minutes to decide.