What Goosegrass looks like
Coarse, yellowish-green grass in a low, dense rosette pattern; seed heads radiate like the spokes of a wheel from a central point.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Spray or dig
Young goosegrass pulls out relatively easily since it has a central crown. Pre-emergent herbicide in spring is more effective for prevention.
Best products for Goosegrass
Formulated to kill goosegrass without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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Dimension 2EW (Dithiopyr)
✓ Kills goosegrassLiquid concentrate; 64 oz half gallon; mix with water and spray
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1
✓ Kills goosegrassBeginner friendlyPrevents crabgrass for up to 4 months, kills dandelion, clover and other listed broadleaf weeds, and feeds. Apply to wet grass, no more than twice a year. Not for St. Augustine. Its label allows centipede, but centipede does better with a stand-alone weed killer and a lighter feeding.
Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
✓ Kills goosegrassBeginner friendlyHow much do you need?
Herbicide is dosed by lawn size. Pick your yard size for a quick estimate:
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When to treat Goosegrass
Apply pre-emergent in early spring, before soil reaches 55°F — once it sprouts, prevention is off the table for the year.
Chemical treatment
Use a pre-emergent (dithiopyr or pendimethalin) in early spring, or apply a post-emergent grassy herbicide (fluazifop or sethoxydim) in spring while goosegrass is young.
Non-chemical management
Relieve soil compaction through aeration, maintain proper mowing height, and ensure thick turf coverage.
How to stop Goosegrass coming back
Relieve soil compaction through aeration, maintain proper mowing height, and ensure thick turf coverage.
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What does Goosegrass look like?
Coarse, yellowish-green grass in a low, dense rosette pattern; seed heads radiate like the spokes of a wheel from a central point.
What's the best way to kill Goosegrass?
Spray or dig. Young goosegrass pulls out relatively easily since it has a central crown. Pre-emergent herbicide in spring is more effective for prevention.
Is Goosegrass hard to get rid of?
Goosegrass is rated moderate to control. Consistent treatment over a season usually does the job.
How do I stop Goosegrass coming back?
Relieve soil compaction through aeration, maintain proper mowing height, and ensure thick turf coverage.
Other grassy weeds
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