grassy weed · annual

How to Kill Goosegrass

Eleusine indica

Dig or spraymoderate to controlLawn & beds

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.

📸

Not sure if it's Goosegrass?

Snap a photo — our free AI tells you in seconds. No app needed.

Best approach: Dig or spray

Young goosegrass pulls out relatively easily since it has a central crown. Pre-emergent herbicide in spring is more effective for prevention.

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.

Recommended products for Goosegrass

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Pendimethalingranular$40–$50
View on Amazon

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Pendimethalingranular$20–$28 (10 lb bag, covers 5,000 sq ft)
View on Amazon

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular

0.48% Prodiaminegranular$80–$95
View on Amazon

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular

0.48% Prodiaminegranular$45–$50 (18 lb bag, covers 5,800 sq ft)
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Measure Lawn earns from qualifying purchases.

Stop fighting weeds one by one →

Get your free 12-month AI lawn care plan

A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed killer there is. Measure your yard on a satellite map in 30 seconds — we'll build a personalised schedule (fertiliser, seed, mowing, weed control) so goosegrass doesn't come back.

Measure my lawn — it's free →

FAQ

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?

Dig or spray. 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

Crabgrass

moderate · annual

Dallisgrass

hard · perennial

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

moderate · annual

Quackgrass (Couch Grass)

hard · perennial

See every weed we cover:

Full weed guidePhoto identifierLawn care calendar