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How to Identify and Control Goosegrass in Your Lawn

Image Credit: Rutgers University

Goosegrass can be one of the toughest weeds to tackle in North Texas, particularly in areas with compacted soils and high traffic. Known for its ability to spread in tough conditions, this annual weed can quickly overtake thin or patchy turf if not managed effectively. Its resilience makes it a challenge for both residential and commercial landscapes, but with the right approach, you can prevent and control its spread. Here’s a guide to help you identify, prevent, and manage this stubborn lawn invader.

What Is Goosegrass?

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica), sometimes called silver crabgrass, crowfoot, or wiregrass, is a warm-season annual grass commonly found in the South. It thrives in compacted soils, making athletic fields, golf courses, and other high-traffic areas prime sites for infestation. Its dense root system and tolerance for close mowing allow it to survive in conditions that are challenging for desirable turfgrass.

Why is Goosegrass a Problem?

Goosegrass competes aggressively with turfgrass for sunlight, water, and nutrients. It thrives in North Texas landscapes, where hot summers and compacted soils create ideal conditions for its spread. This weed is particularly problematic in areas where soil management has been neglected, as it prefers hard, compacted ground.

In North Texas, goosegrass seeds start germinating in spring as temperatures rise and continue to emerge throughout the summer. While it typically dies off with the first frost in fall, a single plant can produce thousands of seeds, leading to widespread infestations the following year.

How to Identify Goosegrass in Your Lawn

Image Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Recognizing goosegrass early is key to effective control. Here’s how to spot it:

  • Growth Habit: Goosegrass forms dense, low-growing tufts that lay flat against the soil, unlike most turfgrasses, which tend to grow more upright.
  • Leaves and Stems: The stems are flattened and often grow outward in a star shape. Leaves are dark green, with a slightly shiny surface that stands out against typical turfgrass.
  • Distinctive Seed Heads: In late summer, goosegrass produces spiky seed heads that grow vertically from the plant, forming a bird’s foot shape.

How to Prevent Goosegrass

Preventing this invasive weed is easier than removing it once established. Here are key strategies for how to prevent goosegrass from taking hold in your lawn:

  • Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring helps prevent seed heads from germinating. Look for products containing dithiopyr or prodiamine for best results.
  • Healthy Lawn Maintenance: A dense, well-maintained lawn reduces opportunities for weed invasion. Overseeding bare patches can help fill in weak spots in the lawn.
  • Aerating Your Lawn: Since goosegrass thrives in compacted soil, aerating your lawn in the fall or early spring improves soil structure and reduces the conditions it prefers.
  • Proper Mowing Practices: Avoid mowing too low, as shorter grass leaves more room for weed establishment. Maintaining a higher mowing height encourages strong, competitive turfgrass.

How to Control Goosegrass if It’s Already Present

If goosegrass has already established itself in your lawn, it’s important to act quickly. Here are effective control methods:

  • Post-Emergent Herbicides: Selective post-emergents containing quinclorac or fenoxaprop are effective against goosegrass in warm-season turf like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass.
  • Manual Removal: For smaller patches, hand-pulling can be effective, but be sure to remove the entire dense root system to prevent regrowth. This is best done when the soil is moist.

Professional Help for Goosegrass Control

Because goosegrass is highly adaptable and spreads aggressively, a comprehensive weed control program is often necessary. Southern Botanical specializes in tailored soil management and turf health strategies that reduce weed pressure in North Texas landscapes. Our experts use science-backed techniques, including pre-emergent applications and aerating your lawn, to create an environment where desirable grass can thrive and weeds struggle to gain a foothold.

If your lawn is struggling with goosegrass or other invasive weeds, contact Southern Botanical for a customized lawn care program that restores balance to your landscape.