Buzz
Clover grass, also known as 'gấu root', is a hardy weed that can cause significant damage to lawns. It features a robust root system that develops into a 'root' shape (giving it the name gấu root). The most effective way to completely remove clover grass from your lawn is by manually pulling it out by the roots. Alternatively, you can try using chemical herbicides or sprinkle sugar over the grass as an organic weed killer alternative to chemicals.
Steps
Identifying Clover Grass
Look for patches of grass that seem unusual. Clover grass is usually taller and lighter in color than the rest of the lawn. Since it closely resembles other types of grass, it can be difficult to spot smaller patches unless you search carefully.
Examine the grass leaves. Kneel down to observe the shape and thickness of the grass leaves in patches that seem different from the rest. Clover grass has thick, rigid leaves that grow in sets of three from the stem. Most other types of grass typically have two leaves growing from a single stem.
Observe the grass stem. Break off a suspected clover grass stem and examine the break. Clover grass has a triangular cross-section and a solid core, whereas most other grasses have round stems. Many common grass species also have hollow stems instead of solid cores.
Carefully dig to the roots of the clover grass. If you suspect clover grass based on the upper parts of the plant, you can either proceed with removal or dig down to the roots to confirm before taking further action. Use a garden trowel to carefully dig around the patch of grass and look for tubers at the roots. You may need to dig up to 30-45 cm deep.
Removing Clover Grass by Hand
Wear gardening gloves. This method requires some digging into the soil, and gardening gloves will help keep the dirt off your skin and under your nails.
Use a spade to dig straight down next to the clover grass. Dig as deep as possible. The root system of clover grass can extend as deep as 30-46 cm into the soil.
Gently pull the clover grass and its roots out of the ground. It's important to be gentle to minimize the number of broken roots and pieces of root that may break off.
Dig up scattered grass roots. If any roots are left behind, there’s a chance that clover grass will regrow.
Place the clover grass into a trash bag along with the soil you've dug up. Dispose of the clover in the trash bag. Do not pile it up or put it into a compost heap, as this could cause it to spread to other areas of the lawn.
Use sugar
Apply this method during the spring season. This approach is most effective if done at the beginning of the growing season, when the wild grass has just sprouted and begun to bud.
Use a watering hose to irrigate the lawn. You don't need to soak it completely, but make sure the lawn is evenly moist, reaching the soil beneath.
Spread sugar on the lawn in straight lines. Walk back and forth across the lawn in straight lines, spacing them evenly, while shaking a sieve to disperse the sugar evenly over the grass.
- This isn't just a folk remedy. Sugar actually 'feeds' the wild grass, while also nourishing beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Spray water over the lawn once in the morning. Avoid soaking it, as this will wash away the sugar. Only mist lightly, ensuring enough water is sprayed to moisten the grass and allow the sugar to seep into the soil and reach the roots.
Repeat this process at least twice during the spring. The wild grass may not be entirely killed after the first treatment, but it will be fully eradicated after two rounds.
Control wild grass with chemicals
Apply herbicide before the wild grass develops five true leaves. The wild grass leaves contain many obstacles that prevent pesticides from penetrating the 'bulbs' and roots. Herbicides work most effectively when applied early in the season, while the wild grass is still young and has few leaves.
Choose the right herbicide. Products containing MSMA or a chemical called bentazon are the most effective. Wild grass is a common problem, so herbicides are often labeled as 'wild grass killers.'
Wait a few days for the wild grass to grow before applying the herbicide. Herbicides are most effective when the grass is actively growing, and their effectiveness may be reduced if sprayed immediately after mowing. Wait two to three days after mowing before using the herbicide.
Apply the herbicide when the soil is dry. Wait a few days after the last watering before spraying. Do not spray if rain is expected within four hours or if heavy rain is forecast in the coming days, as this will wash away the chemicals and prevent them from being effective.
Read the instructions on the herbicide label to determine the correct dosage. MSMA herbicides are typically diluted and sprayed over the entire lawn. For example, the label might suggest mixing 45 ml of the chemical with 20 liters of water to treat a 93 square meter area.
Repeat this process several times during the growing season. For tropical grasses, you may only need to apply the herbicide twice, but for colder region grasses, 4-8 applications might be required for complete eradication.
Advice
- Determine if wild grass is growing on wet soil. Typically, wild grass thrives in poorly draining areas. If you notice it growing on moist land, you can limit its spread by drying the grass and improving soil drainage. While this method may not completely eradicate the resilient grass, it can help reduce its spread.
- Avoid adding garden mulch over wild grass. This grass is highly persistent and will often grow through the mulch, fabric, or even plastic coverings.
- Never till the soil in an attempt to remove wild grass. This will only scatter its 'bulbs' and could worsen the situation.
Warning
- Keep children and pets away from the grass for 24-72 hours after applying herbicide. Many herbicides are toxic if ingested.
- Note that broad-spectrum herbicides, particularly those containing MSMA, can discolor grass when applied frequently.
What You Need
- Gardening gloves
- Garden hoe
- Watering hose
- Sieve
- Sugar
- Herbicide
