Common Nuisance Grasses

• Common weed grasses in North America include annual bluegrass, bent grass, Bermuda grass, crabgrass, quack grass and tall fescue; however, there are many more varieties. The best defense is to maintain a healthy lawn and cover soil beds with a thick mulch to make weeds easier to remove. Most U.S. state universities with agriculture programs have cooperative extension services that help homeowners identify weed plants and recommend specific control methods.
  
  

Control for Landscape Borders

• Weed grasses that sprout in mixed landscape areas of trees, shrubs and flowers can usually be controlled by hand removal. However, for widespread weed grasses or those with stubborn roots you can use a grass-specific herbicide that won't harm most broadleaf plants. Look for an herbicide containing the active ingredient fluazifop-butyl or sethoxydim. You apply both to the grass blades, and the chemicals move from there into the roots, effectively killing the grass. For complete control, you may need to apply a second application about one week later.
  
  

Control for Lawns

• When weed grasses infiltrate your lawn they are harder to remove without damaging your lawn grass. You can dig out clumping grasses, but those that spread by underground rhizomes require use of an herbicide. Apply a grass-specific herbicide, or a broad-spectrum herbicide containing the active ingredient glyphosate, directly to the weed grass. Both types of herbicide will kill adjoining lawn grass, so apply it carefully. Reseed the bare patches with lawn grass after the weed grass dies.
  
  

Control for Vegetable Gardens

• Most herbicides are not recommended for use around food crops. You can remove weed grasses by pulling, digging or using an organic herbicide that utilizes natural ingredients such as clove oil (eugenol), acetic acid (found in vinegars), citric acid, pelargonic acid or some combination of these. Apply selectively, as these products can kill or damage all types of plants. These products are effective only on the plant parts exposed to the spray.
  
  

Precautions

• Herbicides may be toxic to humans, animals and aquatic creatures. Read product labels carefully before using, and follow the application and safety instructions. Store herbicide products in a locked area where children cannot reach them. Grass-specific herbicides may not be safe for all other plants; check the label for exceptions to avoid unintentional damage.