
Quackgrass in the Lawn
Over the past several years, I've been noticing "patches" of quackgrass appearing in my lawn. I fertilize and use a weed killer every year and aerate every fall. Do you have any remedies that I could use to get rid of this quackgrass problem?
First make sure it is quack and not crabgrass. Crabgrass is usually first noticed in mid summer and then can't be missed in the fall when it turns purple and dies after dropping thousands of seeds for next season. Crabgrass can be controlled through proper care and if needed a pre-emergent applied in spring. Corn gluten meal is an eco-friendly preemergent that should be applied when the forsythia bloom. Traditional crabgrass preemergents are applied when the vanhoutte (bridal wreath) spirea bloom and lilac flower buds swell. Quackgrass is a perennial grass weed that is present all season. When you dig out a piece it will have a long white root-like rhizome attached. Unfortunately any thing that kills quack and other perennial weed grasses will also harm your bluegrass. Spot treat problem areas with a total vegetation killer in early May or September and reseed. Whether using traditional or new environmentally friendly products read and follow label directions carefully. All these products are plant killers and can injure or kill your desirable plants as well as the weeds.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 7-9, 2025
PBS Wisconsin's
Garden & Green Living Expo
Madison, WI
Feb. 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Organic Insect Pest Management for Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More