How Can I Get Rid of Wiregrass?

2016-02-26
How Can I Get Rid of Wiregrass?

Wiregrass is another name for Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Because it is a perennial, it will return each year. As you've discovered, it's persistent. It can spread rapidly as its rhizomes creep underground. Because digging has been ineffective for you, you're left with chemical control. Glyphosate (RoundUp) works, but because it kills whatever it comes in contact with, it may be risky to use in a bed where ornamentals are growing. Obviously, you shouldn't use it if there's any risk of spraying your desirable plants. You could apply Roundup with a paintbrush so you touch only the grass and not your flowers. Be patient; it might be several weeks before Roundup takes effect. A second or third application often is needed to kill wiregrass. Give the area where you are going to apply it a good watering a couple of days before you apply the herbicide. This will help actively growing weeds absorb the herbicide quickly.

Another option is the herbicide fluazifop, which is sold in garden centers as a "selective grass killer" or "grassy weed control." It selectively kills grasses but leaves most ornamentals alone. You'll see a long list of plants that are and aren't harmed by it on the product's label, so be sure to read it carefully and follow all directions. It's available in ready-to-use spray bottles.

Related Article

8 Begonia Houseplant Care Tips to Keep Your Plants Thriving

8 Begonia Houseplant Care Tips to Keep Your Plants Thriving

Find out how to care for begonia houseplants with these tips on the best types to grow, lighting, watering, fertilizer, and more.
How to Plant and Grow Peperomia

How to Plant and Grow Peperomia

Peperomia is grown for its foliage and is one of the easiest to grow in your home—even the bathroom!
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Korean Rock Ferns

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Korean Rock Ferns

Learn how to grow and care for Korean rock ferns indoors and out in the garden. Get essential tips on light, watering, fertilizing, and more.
7 Best Perennial Flowers That Bloom in Winter

7 Best Perennial Flowers That Bloom in Winter

Add these winter-blooming perennials to your garden to brighten the cold weather months.
How to Harvest Black Walnuts and Enjoy Their Delicious Flavor

How to Harvest Black Walnuts and Enjoy Their Delicious Flavor

Find out when and how to harvest black walnuts from your yard or local forest. Plus, get must-know tips for cracking the super tough shells.
This Easy-Care Butterfly Garden Plan Will Attract Tons of Pollinators

This Easy-Care Butterfly Garden Plan Will Attract Tons of Pollinators

Use this gorgeous butterfly garden plan to create a bed of flowers that will bring beautiful and beneficial insects to your garden.
22 Beautiful Garden Plans for Attracting Birds and Butterflies

22 Beautiful Garden Plans for Attracting Birds and Butterflies

Create a butterfly- and bird-friendly landscape with these garden plans. Each design includes a mix of plants that can provide nectar, seeds, and shelter to wildlife. Add a water source to further enhance the habitat.
16 Pretty and Simple Combinations of Window Box Flowers for Shade

16 Pretty and Simple Combinations of Window Box Flowers for Shade

Here are 16 beautiful and easy-care combinations of window box flowers for shade to add color wherever you need it.
How to Grow Vegetables in Containers for a Plentiful Garden

How to Grow Vegetables in Containers for a Plentiful Garden

Pick the right plants and you can grow a fair amount of food in just a few large pots! Here’s how.
How to Harvest Lettuce: 6 Tips for Picking Leaves at Their Peak

How to Harvest Lettuce: 6 Tips for Picking Leaves at Their Peak

Learn how to harvest lettuce properly with these simple techniques so you can enjoy garden-fresh greens at their peak.
How to Use Fertilizer for Plants According to Experts

How to Use Fertilizer for Plants According to Experts

Get expert tips on fertilizing plants, including the best formulation for both houseplants and garden plants, as well as how frequently you should feed them.
The Best Time to Add Fertilizer to Your Lawn Before Winter

The Best Time to Add Fertilizer to Your Lawn Before Winter

Cultivate a happy, healthy lawn all year long with a nutrient boost before freezing weather occurs.
What Is Loam Soil and How Can You Create It in Your Garden?

What Is Loam Soil and How Can You Create It in Your Garden?

Loam soil is often mentioned as best for plants. But what is loam soil exactly? Here's what to know about this ideal soil type.
How Often—and How Long—You Should Water Your Grass

How Often—and How Long—You Should Water Your Grass

Whether you water manually or you have an underground sprinkler system, follow our tips for how long and how often to water your grass to keep from overwatering your lawn.
8 Tips on How to Get Rid of Cutworms Before They Eat Your Seedlings

8 Tips on How to Get Rid of Cutworms Before They Eat Your Seedlings

To protect young seedlings and transplants, find out how to get rid of cutworms in your garden with these easy-to-follow organic pest control tips.
8 Small Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

8 Small Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

Create a beautiful and welcoming small front yard with these tips and ideas.
How to Plant and Grow Papyrus

How to Plant and Grow Papyrus

Find essential tips on growing papyrus, an easy-care water plant that can remain outdoors year-round in a warm climate.
Garden Privacy Ideas that Incorporate Landscaping and Hardscaping

Garden Privacy Ideas that Incorporate Landscaping and Hardscaping

Check out these garden privacy ideas that include landscaping and hardscaping for creating a beautiful and private oasis in your yard.
Super Plants for Kentucky Landscapes

Super Plants for Kentucky Landscapes

Beautiful landscapes start with outstanding plants, and these award-winners are perfectly suited to Kentucky gardens.
15 Super Plants for Texas Landscapes

15 Super Plants for Texas Landscapes

These plants are superstars in Texas gardens and landscapes. Experts recommend them for their ability to thrive in south-central climates.