Quackgrass, despite its whimsical name, is a formidable enemy that can quickly take over a lawn. Its robust and deep root system can split into separate plant clumps, and no selective herbicide can kill it without harming the healthy turfgrass around it. This is why quackgrass, also known as couch grass, twitch, quick grass, quitch grass, dog grass, scutch grass, and witchgrass, is considered one of the most challenging weeds to eradicate.
Unfortunately, quackgrass is a hardy common pesky weed that sneaks into your lawn and spreads quickly. This invasive, perennial, cool-season grassy weed thrives in cooler weather and is often mistaken for crabgrass. Understanding this hardy weed will make the persistent battle against them easier.
Life Cycle Of Quackgrass
Quackgrass is a perennial weed, meaning it lives for over two years. The rhizomes of quackgrass can survive for many years in the soil, spreading easily through the wind and common foot traffic. Because of these facts, quackgrass is considered a difficult weed to control.
- Germination: Quackgrass seeds germinate in the spring or fall. The seeds need moisture and warmth to germinate.
- Growth: The seedlings multiply and produce rhizomes. The rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally. They can grow up to 10 feet long and 1 inch thick.
- Spread: The rhizomes of quackgrass are spread by contact. They can also spread by being carried by water, animals, or people.
- Flowering: Quackgrass plants flower in the summer. The flowers are small and brown.
- Seed production: Quackgrass plants produce seeds. The seeds are wind-dispersed.
- Overwintering: The rhizomes of quackgrass can overwinter in the soil.
Controlling & Managing Quackgrass
Quackgrass is a perennial weed that can be difficult to control. It spreads by both seed and rhizomes, and its deep roots make it difficult to remove. Here are some ways to control and manage quackgrass:
Cultural Control: Cultural control methods include improving drainage, aerating the soil, and mowing regularly. These methods can help to prevent quackgrass from spreading.
- Improve drainage: Quackgrass thrives in moist soil, so improving drainage can help to make the environment less hospitable to it. This can be done by installing French drains or grading the land so water flows away from your lawn.
- Aerate the soil: Aerating the soil helps to loosen it and improve water infiltration. This can make it more difficult for quackgrass to establish itself.
- Mow regularly: Mowing your lawn regularly helps to keep quackgrass from getting too tall. This makes it easier to see and remove the weed.
Chemical Control: There are a number of herbicides that can be used to kill quackgrass. However, it is important to use herbicides carefully, as they can also kill other plants.
- Selective herbicides: Selective herbicides kill quackgrass without harming other plants. However, they can be expensive and may only be effective on some types of quackgrass.
- Non-selective herbicides: Non-selective herbicides kill all plants, including quackgrass. However, they are more likely to damage other plants in your lawn.
Manual Control: Manual control methods include pulling quackgrass by hand and digging up the rhizomes. These methods can be effective, but they are also time-consuming and labor-intensive.
- Pulling quackgrass by hand: This is the most common way to control quackgrass manually. However, removing the entire plant, including the rhizomes, is important, or the weed will quickly regrow.
- Digging up the rhizomes: This is a more effective way to control quackgrass than pulling it by hand. However, it is also more time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Additional Tips
If you have a quackgrass problem, it is important to consult with a lawn care professional, like those at Summit Lawns to get advice on the best control methods for your situation.
Here are some additional tips to battling this pesky weed and getting them out of your lawn for good:
- Start early. Quackgrass is easier to control when young, and the rhizomes are not well-established.
- Be persistent. It may take several years to eliminate quackgrass completely.
- Don't give up. Quackgrass is a tough weed but can be controlled with patience and persistence.
