Let me start by saying I am not a fan of lawn. I am a fan of plants. I've ripped out as much of my lawn as is allowable by my homeowners assoc (ahem), and I'm working on ditching the rest of it in my back yard (if only husband would cooperate).

So I don't know how to make a lawn look really pretty and green, other than the usual stuff (aerate, thatch, yada yada). Crab grass? Beyond ripping it out? I have no idea. Other stuff? Clueless.

A question comes from a reader. He's got something growing in his lawn. It doesn't look like crab grass, but it's something in his lawn that he finds unsavory. Here, in his words:

I have a great lawn, except for some light green patches of grass that are starting to grow in it.
My mind goes to crabgrass, but this grass is lighter in color and lighter in texture than what I would normally think crabgrass to be. Perhaps it's a cool/wet climate version of crabgrass.
I know the photo isn't great - but your diagnosis would be appreciated.

Picture here. Your thoughts?