Date Photo Taken: August 28, 2010
Location: Monroe, GA
Posted By: wmu2006
Notes:
I have Hybrid Bermuda and there are about 4 patches of this other kind of grass that seem to be getting larger. How can I get rid of this other kind of grass and let the Bermuda come back in? Hopefully not roundup + sod!
Bobby Unregistered says:
Can you post a closeup picture of the seedhead?
September 5th, 2010 at 12:06 pmAlso were preEmergents used this past spring and if so was this patch present in the lawn last year?
Bobby Unregistered says:
This looks a little like Torpedo grass. Does it have runners? Compare this seedhead shot with yours.
September 6th, 2010 at 11:07 amhttp://www.shirleydenton.com/plants/web_pics/p/panicum_rep_fl229.jpg
Andrew Nowak Registered says:
Walter identified it as Nutsedge grass and referred me to his website on nutsedge and how to contorl it. Thank you bobby for your help! (it doesnt have runners)
September 7th, 2010 at 12:44 pmWalter Reeves The Georgia Gardener says:
now I’m taking a closer look at the seedhead and I don’t think it’s nutsedge.
Do you have a good shot of the seedhead?
October 14th, 2010 at 9:38 amAndrew Nowak Registered says:
No, but I can GET a new photo of one if it still is producing seed heads. I called up my lawn care service and told them to treat it for Nutsedge. They sprayed it but it hasnt gone away so I complained again and am having them come out again on Friday 10/15. Hopefully you can identify it Walter! I have faith in you!
October 14th, 2010 at 9:57 amAndrew Nowak Registered says:
Maybe Bobby was right (above)? Could it be torpedo grass?
October 14th, 2010 at 10:05 amAndrew Nowak Registered says:
The seedheads are all gone. It was creating a purple pollen that easily blew off when disturbed. Also, to answer Bobby’s question, there were pre-emergents laid down by my lawn care company, but these patches were NOT there last year. They just developed this year. And they are very easy to pull out of the ground.
October 14th, 2010 at 7:12 pmBobby Unregistered says:
Andrew, when I asked if there were runners I should have been more specific. In your first picture the plant appears to have broken off from an under ground structure similar to above gound runners. This structure is called a rhizome. Gently pull the plant and pry with any object to help lift it from the soil. See if there is a underground runner that the plant rises from.
October 16th, 2010 at 5:03 pmFrom the appearence of the patch, the fact that there are no above ground runners, the similarities of the seed head, and the use of preEmergents, I am still guessing Torpedo grass.
A little bit can go a long way during a hot dry summer.
Andrew Nowak Registered says:
Thanks Bobby. Yes, it has rhizome’s. It sounds then like this is Torpedo grass. I searched google for images as well as ways to eliminate it, but it sounds like i need to roundup and till it up. Is that accurate? I also use Trugreen as my lawn care company. I wonder if they would take care of it?
October 17th, 2010 at 8:14 amj_ingeorgia Flower Fanatic says:
Andrew, correct ID is needed for control recommendations. Check with your lawn service. Perhaps a supervisor could ID the weed. Also your local UGA extension service agent would be a great help.
October 19th, 2010 at 10:07 amThere are selective controls for torpedo grass management. Use Roundup as a last resort! Due to the approaching dormant season all postemergent controls will be hindered because of slower growth.
If the final ID is torpedo grass you may not have the time to do the advised sequential applications before a first frost causes too much leaf damage. That’s ok. In the lawn and garden there is always next year!
Glenn Smith Unregistered says:
Yes, I have a large patch of this “Torpedo?” grass that is clearly spreading. I had my yard sprayed several times to get rid of a large weeed problem inherited from the previous owner and the Bermuda is spreading great but so is this stuff. I reminds me of the Bahia used in Florida and I want to get rid of it! Someone help, please.
July 15th, 2011 at 1:15 pmBobby Unregistered says:
Andrew and Glenn now would be a good time to attack torpedo grass. Drive herbicide will be helpful. Check out the label here http://www.montereylawngarden.com/pdf/Drive75DF.pdf
July 16th, 2011 at 10:27 pmNote: Make 3 sequential applications of 0.245 oz (0.50 lbs ai/A) of Drive 75 DF per 1000 sq ft at 14-21 day intervals.
Large patches of torpedo grass can choke out bermuda grass. Evaluate the area after eliminating the torpedo grass. If it is evenly sprigged with bermuda we still have enough time to cover a lot of ground this growing season. You may want to get a reputable turf care professional to help you make this dicision before going to the trouble and expense of resodding a large area.