Identification:
Quack grass is a grassy weed that becomes noticeable early in the spring. You’ll notice it along roadways and dispersed in the lawn. You can identify it by characteristics including:
- A Hairless stem
- Curled leaves
- Auricles that wrap around the stem
Quackgrass vs. Crabgrass
Quackgrass:
Germination: early spring
Lifespan: perreniel
Mature height: 3 feet
Growth: from rhizomes
Leaves: attach to the stem by auricles
Crabgrass:
Germination: summer
Lifespan: Annual
Mature height: 6 inches
Growth: shallow “crab-like” roots
Leaves: grow independently
The Problem With Quackgrass
This weed is rather annoying as it spreads via rhizomes through a hidden network underground. You can’t pull this weed as it will respond by sending up new leaves through it’s vast root system. This is also why I do not suggest mechanical aeration as any disturbance to its roots could result in more quackgrass popping up.
How to Control Quackgrass
Good cultural practices is still one of the best ways to control quackgrass. A thick healthy lawn is a great defense. Make sure to mow frequently as this will help your desired turf compete for sunlight and hinder the quackgrass from strenthening its roots as it desires to grow tall.
Chemical control can be done by either a non-selective (meaning it kills everything it touches) herbicide, such as roundup or by a selective herbicide for grassy weeds called fluazifop. This herbicide is taken up through the leaf and eventually reaches the rhizome, inhibiting lipid growth, causing cellular destruction.
Important considerations:
- Herbicides including fluazifop do not work well in drought or hot conditions
- Over-spray can kill surrounding grass. Even though this is a selective herbicide, still aim and try not to spray too much on your desired turf.
- Early applications are best. Apply when the quackgrass plant is young (2 leaf stage). It becomes less potent the more mature the pant becomes, ie: 3 leaf, 4 leaf and a fully mature plant going to seed.