In most lawns, perennial weedy grasses, such as quackgrass, tall fescue, or creeping bentgrass, are considered undesirable. They have different blade width, color and growth habits. Therefore, they detract from the overall uniformity of a "well maintained" lawn. Regardless of the grass you wish to eliminate, the control methods are the same.

Control Methods

If you only have a few clumps or patches of these perennial grasses, you may be able to successfully dig them out and replace with either new seed or sod.

Another approach to eliminating these weeds, is to spot treat the area, using an herbicide known as glyphosate (Ortho Kleenup™ or Monsanto Roundup™). This is a non-selective kind of herbicide. That is, it will kill or damage any green plant which it contacts, including desirable lawn grasses or garden plants.

• Glyphosate must be used when the plants are actively growing.
• The chemical is most effective when temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Preferably, no rainfall should occur for at least 24 hours after application.
• The plants in the treated areas will turn yellow, then brown, and ultimately die.
• These areas can be reseeded or resodded after seven to 10 days.

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