Wiregrass - Ask Extension
I have wiregrass in my lawn what can I do about controlling it ? I can not see it in summer so that’s a problem for me can I spray it now? Itâ...
Knowledgebase
Wiregrass #889409
Asked November 06, 2024, 7:24 AM EST
I have wiregrass in my lawn what can I do about controlling it ? Â I can not see it in summer so thatâs a problem for me can I spray it now? Â Itâs brown so I can see the areas wellÂ
Sussex County Delaware
Expert Response
Unfortunately there is nothing you can spray on wiregrass to get rid of it that will not kill the surrounding grass and plants. I have attached the advice we are using from our turf specialist, John Emerson. The time to use non selective herbicides on wiregrass is when it is actively growing, i.e. in the summer as it is a warm season weedy grass.
The roots of wiregrass can be 2-4 ft. deep and are next to impossible to cut out or dig out. Every root left behind will re-root. Often, wire grass is spread by lawnmowers that carry the cut nodules from place to place. The hot dry summer this year was a perfect growing condition for wiregrass.
If you don't like the look of the brown now, you can go through and cut it out by hand and dispose of it in the trash. It will come back next year though. There is nothing you can spray now to control it.
The roots of wiregrass can be 2-4 ft. deep and are next to impossible to cut out or dig out. Every root left behind will re-root. Often, wire grass is spread by lawnmowers that carry the cut nodules from place to place. The hot dry summer this year was a perfect growing condition for wiregrass.
If you don't like the look of the brown now, you can go through and cut it out by hand and dispose of it in the trash. It will come back next year though. There is nothing you can spray now to control it.