Quackgrass is a troublesome weed that can quickly take over your lawn in Ohio if left unchecked. It is a perennial weed that grows quicker than grass and is lighter in color as well. In full maturity, it can reach up to 4 feet tall! It spreads through rhizomes that are found underground that duplicate and grow new quackgrass when disturbed and damaged. This weed can grow on your lawn when its seeds, which can stay viable in the soil for years, are tilled. Quackgrass is tough to control because a typical selective herbicide does not work on it. It should be treated with a non-selective herbicide that will kill the weed down to the root.

What does quackgrass look like?

Close up of a quackgrass weed in Delaware, OH.

Quackgrass is a perennial weed that can be difficult to control once it takes hold in your lawn. It is characterized by its long, narrow leaves that are thicker than grass blades and rough to the touch. This weed grows quicker than grass and has a lighter color, which is why it can stand out against your desirable turf.

Quackgrass can grow up to 4 feet tall. It spreads rapidly via rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce new shoots when disturbed or damaged. Quackgrass is known for its ability to outcompete other plants for resources, making it a significant problem for lawns.

What causes quackgrass to grow?

Quackgrass can grow on your lawn through seed germination. Its seeds can remain viable in the soil for a few years, and if your yard is cultivated for grass growth, these seeds can grow as well. Quackgrass is a resilient weed that can thrive in various conditions. It prefers lawns with poor soil conditions, such as those that are compacted or low in nutrients. It can also grow whether you have heavy clay or sandy soil! Additionally, quackgrass grows well whether the soil drains well or not.

Quackgrass loves cool soil, which means this weed can be more noticeable in the spring!

How do you get rid of quackgrass?

Quackgrass can quickly overtake your lawn's growth through its underground rhizomes. When disturbed, these rhizomes will duplicate and grow new plants. Because of this, pulling out quackgrass is not recommended. Additionally, selective herbicides are not the best weed control product to use to deal with this weed. The best way to get rid of quackgrass is by using non-selective herbicides.

The non-selective herbicide can be gently applied on the tip of the quackgrass. It will slowly work its way down to the root of the weed. When applied properly, the treatment will provide results around 2 weeks after the application. After that, it's best to re-seed the area to allow new grass growth to fill in the spot where the quackgrass used to be. This will make your lawn thicker and help it fight off these invasive weeds!

Make sure you hire professionals to deal with quackgrass on your turf to achieve desirable results.

Give us a call today to sign up for our weed control service.

At Hoffmans Lawn & Fertilization, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with quackgrass on your lawn. Let our lawn care professionals handle this weed. Our weed control service is available to commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Delaware, Lewis Center, Powell, and throughout the surrounding areas in Ohio. Our professionals have been taking care of lawns and dealing with pesky weeds since 2013, and we have the expertise to ensure stubborn weeds like quackgrass are dealt with! Call us today at (740) 318-5296 to sign up for our weed control service and take the first step towards protecting your lawn from these nutrient-stealing plants.