Invasive Grass - Ask Extension
I have an invasive grass and was told that it was Japanese stilt grass. However I do not see the typical silver hair on the leaves so I am in doubt. ...
Knowledgebase
Invasive Grass #720495
Asked September 03, 2020, 11:39 AM EDT
I have an invasive grass and was told that it was Japanese stilt grass. However I do not see the typical silver hair on the leaves so I am in doubt. Please take a look at the pictures below and give me some idea what this invasive species might be thank you Tessio Rebello
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Tessio - We think this resembles bermudagrass. Does it produce long wiry strands that creep along the ground? Is it difficult to pull up the root system or does it pull out easily without much resistance? Have you observed flowers/seedheads forming on the plants (those are helpful for ID)? Bermudagrass is a perennial grass with a tougher root system compared to annual Japanese stiltgrass.
Take a look at the following pages for information and photos to compare with bermudagrass.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/bermudagrass
https://weedid.cals.vt.edu/profile/189
If this is in your lawn and you want to remove it, please be aware of the Montgomery County Lawn Pesticide Law, which may apply depending where you are located in the county. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns/
Christa
Take a look at the following pages for information and photos to compare with bermudagrass.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/bermudagrass
https://weedid.cals.vt.edu/profile/189
If this is in your lawn and you want to remove it, please be aware of the Montgomery County Lawn Pesticide Law, which may apply depending where you are located in the county. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns/
Christa
Thank you very much for your response, Christa
From your description, I do have Bermuda grass! The runners can be easily pulled out and are are just beneath the surface. I have no idea how this unwanted grass got onto my lawn. Could it be that some of the seed packs from box stores have contaminating unwanted grass seeds?
I note that post-emergent Fenoxaprop is recommended. Would a pre-emergent also be necessary?
Thank you again
Tessio
From your description, I do have Bermuda grass! The runners can be easily pulled out and are are just beneath the surface. I have no idea how this unwanted grass got onto my lawn. Could it be that some of the seed packs from box stores have contaminating unwanted grass seeds?
I note that post-emergent Fenoxaprop is recommended. Would a pre-emergent also be necessary?
Thank you again
Tessio
Hi - It is possible that there was some weed seed in your grass mix, but it could also come in from seeds in the surrounding environment (spread by wind, birds or other animals). A pre-emergent is not necessary nor recommended for this. You can dig out small infestations by hand (you must get the roots out too), or spot treat the plants with a post-emergent labeled for bermudagrass control (such as Fenoxaprop). However, you many not use this synthetic herbicide in certain locations of Montgomery County, as per the Lawn Pesticide Law. Rockville, Chevy Chase, Laytonsville, Kensington, Poolesville residents are exempted from the law. If you are in another jurisdiction of Montgomery County, only organic herbicides are permitted. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns/law/ You can call or email the county office if you have questions,<personal data hidden> or <personal data hidden>.
Christa
Christa
