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Quackgrass Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

What Does Quackgrass Look Like?

Quackgrass, also known as couchgrass, is a cool-season perennial weed commonly found across most regions of the United States. Its cold-hardy nature allows it to thrive in various climates, making it a persistent problem in many lawns.

Once established, quackgrass can be difficult to remove due to its extensive root system. Early detection and intervention are crucial for effective control.

Read below to learn how to identify quackgrass before choosing a treatment strategy.

Identifying Characteristics of Quackgrass

  • Grows taller than surrounding turfgrass
  • Stems range from green to whitish in color
  • Leaves retain a blue-green color year-round
  • Forms large, distinct patches
  • Features clasping auricles (leaves that seem to clasp the stem) at the base
  • Stems may be either hairy or smooth
  • Grass leaves curl at the ends
  • Blades are broader than typical lawn grass blades
  • Blades have a rough, burr-like texture when touched
  • Propagates through thick, white, segmented rhizomes (underground roots)

Where and When Does Quackgrass Grow?

Quackgrass is found throughout much of the United States, although it is less common in the Southeastern coastal states. It is particularly invasive in the Midwest and along the Western coasts.

This adaptable weed thrives in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, peaty, and heavy clay soils. It is commonly found in moist meadows, prairies, and cultivated fields. Quackgrass is highly drought-resistant and often competes with desirable crops for moisture and nutrients.

As a cool-season perennial, quackgrass returns every year. During the summer, its rhizome root system expands, while new shoots typically emerge above ground in the fall.

Early detection and timely treatment can prevent quackgrass from spreading and taking over your lawn.

If you suspect quackgrass is growing on your property, explore our Quackgrass Inspection Guide to learn where to locate it.

How to Identify and Locate Quackgrass

Where and When Does Quackgrass Grow?

Quackgrass can quickly overtake unhealthy lawns and patchy soil due to its rapid growth and resilient rhizome-based root system. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Learn where to find quackgrass and when it tends to grow below.

Where Does Quackgrass Grow?

Quackgrass is widespread across most of the United States, though it is less common in the Southeastern coastal regions. It is particularly invasive in the Midwest and Western coastal areas.

You are likely to find quackgrass in lawns and soils with these conditions:

  • Patchy, sparse soil
  • Loamy or sandy soil
  • Heavy clay soil

When Does Quackgrass Grow?

Quackgrass is a cool-season perennial weed that thrives in cooler temperatures. Its growth pattern includes:

  • Rhizome root expansion during the hottest part of summer.
  • New shoots emerging above ground in the fall.
  • Year-round presence in some regions depending on climate.

If quackgrass is present on your property, prompt treatment is essential to stop the weed from spreading and overtaking your lawn. Click the right arrow below to learn how to eliminate quackgrass effectively.

How to Get Rid of Quackgrass

Quackgrass, also known as couch grass or dog grass, typically begins new growth above ground from late summer through fall, though in some climates it may persist year-round. Its robust rhizome root system expands during the hottest parts of summer, making it particularly challenging to eliminate once established.

However, with proper timing and effective treatments, you can take control of quackgrass in your lawn. Follow the steps below for the best treatment options.

Step1 Apply a Non-Selective Herbicide

How to Use Post-Emergent Herbicide Weed Killers
The most effective way to tackle quackgrass is with a non-selective herbicide, such as Roundup QuikPro or Ranger Pro. Apply the herbicide directly to the quackgrass, ensuring you avoid spraying desirable plants or grasses, as non-selective herbicides can harm any vegetation they contact.

Always wear protective gear such as closed-toe shoes, gloves, and long sleeves when applying herbicides to your lawn.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Pro Tip

Selective herbicides are generally less effective against quackgrass due to its extensive rhizome root system, especially once the weed is well-established. A non-selective herbicide is your best defense. However, for warm-season grasses, products like Certainty Herbicide may help suppress quackgrass growth.

Step2 Repeat Treatments for Complete Control

Quackgrass’s deep rhizome root system can store nutrients well below the surface, making it resilient and difficult to fully eliminate. This means multiple applications of non-selective herbicide may be required to control the weed effectively.

Spraying early, when quackgrass first appears, may reduce the number of applications needed. Always consult the herbicide product label for reapplication timelines and recommended usage rates.

Pro Tip

Disturbing quackgrass rhizomes through digging or breaking them apart can unintentionally spread the weed to other parts of your lawn. When manually removing quackgrass, pull slowly and carefully to extract as much of the white, segmented rhizome as possible.

The most effective way to control quackgrass is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Explore our guide on preventing quackgrass for tips on pre-emergent herbicide applications and lawn care strategies.

How to Prevent Quackgrass Weeds

Quackgrass, or couch grass, is a grassy weed commonly found across the United States, with particular invasiveness in the Midwest and along the Western coast. This cool-season perennial produces new shoots from late summer through fall and can become difficult to control once it establishes itself in your lawn. Preventing quackgrass before it grows is the most effective way to protect your lawn. Follow the steps below to keep quackgrass at bay.

Step1 Maintain a Healthy Lawn

A well-maintained, healthy lawn is your best defense against quackgrass. The weed tends to thrive in patchy, loamy soil and can outcompete weaker turfgrass. Use the following tips to strengthen your lawn and minimize the risk of quackgrass taking hold:

  • Conduct a Soil Test: Analyze your lawn’s soil for missing nutrients. Based on the results, apply a fertilizer that meets your lawn's nutritional needs.
  • Water Regularly: Water as needed, preferably in the morning, to ensure proper hydration without promoting fungal growth or burning the grass in midday sun.
  • Mow Properly: Keep grass blades 1–2 inches long and mow regularly to encourage healthy growth.
  • Aerate Your Lawn: Aerate once or twice annually to allow air and nutrients to reach compacted soil, promoting a stronger root system.
  • Fill Bare Spots: Overseed patchy areas with grass seed to promote a lush, dense turf.

Step2 Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide

How to Use Pre-Emergent Herbicide to Prevent Quackgrass
Quackgrass begins producing new shoots in late summer and fall, making early summer and fall the ideal times for applying pre-emergent herbicides. These treatments prevent new weeds from sprouting, helping your lawn stay healthy and weed-free.

  • Choose the Right Herbicide: Select a pre-emergent labeled specifically for quackgrass.
  • Mix and Apply: Follow the product label to mix the herbicide with water in a hand-pump or backpack sprayer. Apply evenly across your lawn in neat rows to ensure complete coverage. Consider adding a spray indicator dye to your mixture to track application areas.
  • Use Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when applying herbicides.
  • Reentry Safety: Wait 1–2 hours after application before allowing pets and children to enter the treated area.

Products we recommend for Step 2

With proper timing and treatment, quackgrass can be effectively prevented. If you're unsure whether quackgrass is present in your yard, refer to our Quackgrass Identification Guide for assistance. To tackle existing weeds, check out our How to Get Rid of Quackgrass guide, and use the Quackgrass Inspection Guide to learn where to search for quackgrass in your lawn.

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