Quackgrass

Scientific Name: Elytrigia repens (Family Poaceae)

Quackgrass perennial grassy weed in our lawns. Also called couchgrass, this herbaceous perennial dies back to "rhizomes" for the winter, only to appear again early the following spring. Rhizomes are underground stems capable of producing new plants. Because quackgrass is very aggressive and produces many rhizomes, it can quickly dominate a lawn.

Methods of Controlling Quackgrass

 If only a small area of the lawn is affected, it may be worth trying to dig out the quackgrass; but all the rhizomes must be removed because rhizomes as small as 1-2 cm (about 1/2 in.)) can produce new growth if left in the soil.

Frequent, close mowing can be an effective way to control quackgrass on lawns of bluegrass or fescue. Quackgrass grows faster than bluegrass and fescue and is therefore more susceptible to damage from the mowing. If you use this method, fertilize and water your lawn according to organic recommended practice. A healthy lawn is less likely to be damaged from the stress of close, frequent mowing - though there is always the risk of some damage, even to a healthy lawn. For bluegrass and fescue lawns, mow not closer than 4 cm (1.5 in.).

andy lopez

Invisible Gardener

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