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Friday, July 04, 2008, 9:26 AM
Bahiagrass causes problems By Cyndi Lauderdale | Extension Service Question: I have a question about the grass that is in my yard. The grass is about six inches tall and when it reaches this height it forms a V at the top of it. It has black seeds attached to the V. It really grows fast after I cut it. It is really tough to cut. The grass I have is bermuda and some fescue. What is it and how can I get rid of it? Answer: What you are describing is Paspalum natatum or Bahiagrass. We say the "V" seed head stands for Victory, meaning the bahia has won again, not the person mowing it. In my neighborhood I think all the lawns have it, except for mine, of course. My husband, known to the Master Gardeners as Turf God, is extremely upset at two neighbors who don't mow as often as they should and he thinks we are going to have bahia in our yard soon. Bahiagrass is a warm-season species that spreads by rhizomes. It exhibits low overall quality because of its light color, coarse texture, and open canopy. Due to its aggressive spread, it is primarily used in areas where erosion control and immediate ground cover are the main concern. It is frequently planted on roadsides and highway rights of way because it has good drought tolerance. In addition, bahiagrass has the ability to tolerate a wide range of soils. Unfortunately, it can be a very competitive and unsightly weed in highly maintained turf. Perennial grass weeds typically cannot be controlled with preemergence herbicides. The only proven way to selectively remove bahiagrass in Bermuda is with multiple applications of DSMA or MSMA or metsulfuron (Manor, Blade, etc.). Tall fescue is sensitive to these herbicides so if you want to keep your tall fesue my only advice is to spray the bahia with roundup which will kill everything in that spot and reseed. MSMA will be phased out in 2009 so you may want to start your management program as quickly as possible. If you want more info about turfgrass, weeds or any gardening question call the Master Gardeners on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 1-3 p.m. at 252-237-0113 or e-mail wilsongardener@hotmail.com. If you have a question you would like to see featured here, e-mail me at Cynthia_Lauderdale@ncsu.edu or write to 1806 SW Goldsboro Street, Wilson, NC 27893.
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