NewsGrassy weeds are one of the most annoying problems that homeowners encounter. They appear out of nowhere, spread quickly, and may be difficult to manage.
Identifying Grass in My Yard
If you have an unusual grass growing on your yard, the first step is to identify it. That’s because appropriate identification will influence how you manage the plant.
We’ll divide them into two categories to assist you create realistic expectations (it’s always our aim to be entirely upfront with you).
Controllable Grassy Weeds
There are two grassy weeds that we see the most often in Cincinnati, Dayton, OH, and Northern Kentucky:
1. Crabgrass
Let us begin with the most well-known grass weed, crabgrass. This grassy plant is vigorous and difficult to eradicate, growing in unattractive clusters and quickly taking over vast sections of turf. Crabgrass grows in thinned-out portions of the lawn and has been known to infiltrate areas of the lawn that have been scalped by a trimmer.
Crabgrass is the plant most often blamed for all grassy weeds. Many homeowners naturally think that any green vegetation they encounter in their yard is crabgrass. To be honest, other plants often resemble crabgrass.
We take a proactive approach to crabgrass control at Oasis by spraying two treatments of crabgrass pre-emergent in the early spring. This inhibits 80 to 85 percent of it from developing at all. We next address any crabgrass post-emergent control product breakthroughs by spot spraying tiny plants that arise in difficulty places throughout the summer.
2. Nutsedge
Another widespread plant in our area that can be tamed (but not eradicated) is easily nutsedge) is nutsedge. This bothersome perennial prefers wet places of your lawn and may grow quickly in warm weather.
Nutsedge (also known as nutgrass) reproduces via subterranean tubers known as “nutlets,” thus the name. Although it looks to be a “grassy weed,” it is really a sedge. It is readily distinguished by its vivid green hue.
Nutsedge need specialized control devices that are particularly designed to combat it. Because it is such an aggressive grower (growing up to 5 times faster than your grass), it often needs recurrent management to keep it at bay. It will return year after year.
3. Annual Bluegrass
Bluegrass is a bright green annual that grows and produces seed heads, so you could see it all around.
Some people believe their lawn is dying as it dies, but it was only the undesirable annual bluegrass towards the end of its lifetime. While it cannot be controlled, it has a limited life cycle. We propose overseeding to fill up areas where you observe parts withering off.
4. Nimblewill
Because of its invasive nature, this non-native perennial is particularly problematic. Unfortunately, this plant is absolutely uncontrolled and can only be effectively eradicated by digging it up (or using a nonselective herbicide) and reseeding in the autumn.
We’ve discovered that the more you wait to treat nimblewill, the worse it grows, so it’s essential to deal with it as soon as possible.
5. Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is sometimes planted on purpose as a specific grass kind. However, once it has infiltrated your grass, it may be tough to eradicate. Again, you’ll need to either dig it up or use a nonselective herbicide.
Take notice that in order to have the most effect, you must use a nonselective herbicide (which will also kill desirable grass in that region) multiple times when your undesired grass is actively growing (summer). Then, in the autumn, you’ll need to sow.
6. Creeping Bentgrass
We’re seeing more creeping bentgrass overtake lawns in our neighborhood, and we have a solid idea why.
Dealing with Strange Grass Growing in the Lawn
Of course, there are many additional undesirable grassy weeds, but the list above provides you an idea of what’s out there. Whatever the grassy weed, it is always our advise to complete aeration and overseeding each autumn in order to maintain a lush and healthy lawn.
Not only will seeding assist to fill up any barren places left by tearing out undesired grasses, but it will also enhance your lawn’s natural defensive mechanism by thickening it up. A thick healthy lawn with ideal turfgrass will automatically choke out those undesirable grass kinds.
Of course, this might sometimes take years. If your lawn is overgrown with undesirable grasses, a single season of aeration and overseeding will not totally improve it. However, when the healthy and desirable grass fills in and thickens up, you will notice that your lawn will become more consistent in color and look as the undesired weeds are choked out.