One of the most common lawn problems we are asked is how to get rid of torpedo grass.
Not only is it an unsightly grassy weed, but it is also almost impossible to eradicate in certain instances.
When you have this in your lawn, you’ll need to use an effective tactic to eliminate the problem.
Torpedograss (Panicum repens) is an aggressive invasive grass that is originally native to Asia and Africa.
This fast-growing forage was introduced to North America as a forage crop in the agriculture industry.
Today, torpedo grass has become a nuisance, taking over lawns across the United States.
It is usually introduced to a property during construction or renovation projects; and is commonly found in the topsoil and fill dirt construction companies bring in when preparing the foundation for construction.
It can also be introduced through lawn equipment, construction equipment, and other natural means.
What Does Torpedo Grass Look Like?
At first glance, you may not notice this weed in your lawn.
Once your lawn begins to grow, the difference is much more noticeable.
The torpedograss grows much faster than most lawn grasses, so it is easily recognizable between mowings.
When identifying torpedo grass, look for vigorous and fast-growing grass with sharp points on the nodes and runners.
It is super tough and burrows through the soil with sharply pointed rhizomes that can grow 3 ft or more deep.
Roots and shoots spread hundreds of feet under buildings, driveways, streets, and most obstacles.
This fast, resilient growth habit makes it extremely hard to eradicate.
Torpedo grass loves moist soil and grows in wet lawns, ponds, and waterways.
It grows best in wet lawns and can quickly take over an area if not kept under control.
This tough variety can be challenging to remove once it becomes established.
Controlling the growth and spread requires regular maintenance with specific chemical treatments.
How To Kill Torpedo Grass
Although it’s not easy to accomplish, here are a few tips on how to get rid of torpedo grass.
Torpedo grass is a resilient pesky weed that can be difficult to eliminate.
Unlike other grasses, torpedo grass is not always totally killed or eliminated when you spray or till it.
When you spray it, the herbicide only kills the portion of the plant that had direct contact with the chemical.
Tilling only chops up the roots and runners into hundreds or thousands of pieces that make new plants.
An ongoing eradication and management program is necessary to eliminate this tough weed successfully.
Multiple herbicide treatments can eventually bring your invasion under control.
So be patient and continue ongoing treatments.
Torpedo grass can quickly take over an area. It can be challenging to remove, but there are several ways to do it.
How To kill torpedo grass in your lawn | Here are some methods:
Method 1: The most effective way to kill torpedo grass is to use glyphosate herbicide.
You can spray the herbicide directly on the weed you want to kill; or the entire area around it.
This will kill the weeds but can also damage other plants in the area.
You can spray the entire lawn area to ensure all weeds are terminated.
This is an effective strategy for starting your lawn from a clean slate.
Take precautions to avoid damaging surrounding plants.
Method 2: Use a selective herbicide.
A selective herbicide will kill the torpedograss without harming the other turfgrass.
Selective herbicides only work on certain fine-blade grasses like Bermuda grass.
You can spray it on your lawn; it will kill the torpedograss, and leave the other turf unharmed.
Method 3: Manual Removal
You can get rid of this weed organically by manual removal. Unfortunately, this means you will have to pull it as you see it appear in your lawn.
Each time you notice torpedo grass growing in your lawn, locate the base and dig out as much of the root as you can find.
Another way to get rid of this weed is to pull it out by hand.
This is probably the most labor-intensive option, but it’s also one of the most effective methods.
The manual removal method is good if you have a few blades or two or small area.
All you have to do is find the base of the torpedograss, dig the soil around it, and pull the weed out.
Be sure to get all of the root systems, or it will grow back.
Instructor showing how to get rid of torpedo grass with herbicide application.
How To Treat My Lawn For Torpedo Grass
If you have an infestation in Bermuda grass or zoysia grass, use a formula with quinclorac.
In centipede turf, use sethoxydim. This will kill the torpedo grass but not damage the lawn.
Many other lawns have no recommended selective herbicide.
The most common treatment option is to spray the area with herbicide, wait a couple of weeks, and reapply.
Waiting to reapply allows vegetation growing beneath the soil to emerge so you can see and treat it.
Selective herbicides will help control weeds while protecting your turfgrass.
Remember, getting rid of lawn weeds takes a plan and multiple applications.
If you have St. Augustine grass or Centipede grass, no herbicide will effectively kill torpedograss without harming your desired lawn grasses.
You can do a lawn renovation by removing all of the old turf, treating the area for a period of time then installing new sod.
Installing sod will help smother new weed shoots and weed seeds and give you an instant lawn.
Eliminate Torpedograss With Organic Lawn Care
How to get rid of torpedo grass organically.
Will vinegar kill torpedo grass?
Yes, vinegar will kill torpedo grass. However, vinegar is a common household item that has many purposes.
One of the many uses people has discovered to kill torpedo grass.
Horticultural vinegar is a type of vinegar made specifically for killing plants and is effective against many weeds.
The acid in the vinegar will dissolve the plant’s cell walls, causing it to die.
The vinegar will need to be left on the plant for several hours to be effective.
Reapplication may be necessary for particularly stubborn patches of torpedo grass.
While vinegar is effective at killing grasses, it is also a non-selective herbicide, meaning that it will kill any plants it comes in contact with.
For this reason, it is important to be careful when using vinegar and to avoid spraying it on any plants you want to keep alive.
How To Use Vinegar To kill Weeds
To use vinegar as a herbicide, you need to use the vinegar undiluted to be effective.
Mix one part vinegar with up to nine parts water to test on other turf grasses.
Spray the mixture directly on the plants, allow it to sit, and most weeds will die within a few days.
Reapply the vinegar mixture if it rains, as the rain will wash it away.
Here’s an organic vinegar weed killer
Will baking soda kill torpedograss?
No, there are several methods for controlling torpedograss, but little research has been conducted on the efficacy of baking soda as a herbicide.
In a recent study, we evaluated the effect of baking soda on torpedograss growth.
Baking soda alone did not affect the growth at any of the concentrations tested.
Therefore, baking soda is not an effective herbicide for controlling torpedograss.
What Is The Best Torpedo Grass Killer:
Many types of torpedo grass killers are available, but which is the best?
We have found that glyphosate is the best herbicide for killing torpedo grass.
It will eliminate weeds and grass; but is non-selective, so it will kill any vegetation it comes in contact with.
However, it must be used carefully, as it can harm desirable plants.
Finally, herbicidal soap is another option for getting rid of torpedo grass. This soap contains fatty acids that kill plants by disrupting their cell membranes.
There are many herbicides on the market, but quinclorac is one of the best torpedo grass killers.
Quinclorac is an herbicide that has been proven to be effective against torpedo grass.
It is selective but will kill certain plants it comes in contact with.
Quinclorac is available in a liquid or granular form and can be applied either by hand or spray. It should be applied when the weed is actively growing.
It can take several weeks for the weeds to die after application.
If you have zoysia grass or Bermuda grass lawns. Here’s how to get rid of torpedo grass in bermuda and zoysia
Here is a product you can spray that will reduce and control the torpedograss without harming your lawn.
What kills torpedo grass in centipede?
No herbicide will effectively kill torpedo without harming your desired lawn if you have St. Augustine grass or Centipede grass.
If you’re willing to kill all the grass and weeds and start all over, you can use this grass and weed killer.
Ortho Ground Clear: Year Long Vegetation Killer1 – Concentrate, Visible Results in 3 Hours, Kills Weeds and Grasses to the Root When Used as Directed, Up to 1 Year of Weed and Grass Control
Roundup Custom: For aquatic and terrestrial use. Great for use around waterways, ponds, etc.
Conclusion: How To Get Rid Of Torpedo Grass
Although it may not be easy, you can get rid of torpedo grass with a good plan and some work.
There are several methods; each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to choose the right one for the situation.
The best way to get rid of torpedograss is to use a combination of methods, manual removal and chemical herbicide application.
Start with the easiest method and work your way up.
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