Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a common warm-season weed that can be a significant problem in lawns, gardens, and other turf areas across Georgia. Its stubborn nature and adaptability make it a frustrating invader for homeowners and landscapers alike. Goosegrass thrives in compacted soils and areas that receive high foot traffic, which makes it a frequent sight in heavily used lawns.
If you want to use your yard to host gatherings without having to worry about unsightly goosegrass weeds destroying your turf, this post will help you find them and remove them!
Goosegrass is distinct from other grassy weeds, but it can sometimes be mistaken for crabgrass, especially in the early stages of growth. Identifying it correctly is crucial for implementing the right control methods. Goosegrass typically thrives in warm climates, like here in Georgia, and is commonly found in lawns and residential landscapes where turfgrass grows.
This weed is noticeable by its growth in a low, prostrate, rosette-like fashion. Its stems radiate outward from a central point, forming a dense, flat mat on the ground. The base of the plant typically takes on a whitish or silvery hue, which helps distinguish it from other grasses. The leaves of goosegrass are smooth, dark green, and flat. They grow in a folded manner rather than being rolled like some other grasses. The leaves are usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide and can grow up to 8 inches long.
Look For These In Your Lawn:
Goosegrass is more than just an unsightly weed; it can significantly harm the health and appearance of your lawn. Goosegrass competes with desirable turfgrass species for essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Its dense growth pattern shades out surrounding grass, which can weaken the lawn and cause patches of thinning or bare soil. Its low growth makes it able to withstand low mowing, and it survives in bad soil conditions where turfgrass struggles, such as compaction and drought.
The root structure of goosegrass is the real troublemaker in lawns because of the fibrous offshoots that stem from the central taproot of goosegrass. These secondary fibrous roots creep along just under the soil surface, which means they will absorb any moisture and nutrients that soak into the soil before your lawn's roots can access them. Even one goosegrass weed in your lawn will start to steal resources away from your lawn and cause your grass to become weak and discolored.
Goosegrass is a warm-season annual, meaning it grows during the warmer months of the year and dies off in the fall when temperatures drop. However, it can be a persistent problem in regions with long growing seasons or in areas where the weather remains mild year-round.
The life cycle of goosegrass typically begins with the germination of seeds in the spring when soil temperatures reach 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Goosegrass will grow throughout the hottest days of summer, surviving through temperatures near 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the growing season progresses, goosegrass continues to develop and produce seeds. By late summer or early fall, the plant reaches maturity, and seed heads emerge, ready to disperse up to 140,000 seeds for the next generation. As temperatures drop in the fall and winter months, goosegrass plants begin to deteriorate and die off, leaving behind a seed bank in the soil that can germinate in the following spring.
Goosegrass is particularly fond of compacted, poorly drained soils. It often appears in areas of high foot traffic, such as athletic fields, playgrounds, and the edges of sidewalks or driveways. It can also establish itself in areas of the lawn where the turf is thin or has been damaged.
Goosegrass is widespread across the United States, particularly in the southern and southeastern regions where warm weather extends for most of the year. However, it can also be found in northern regions during the summer months.
Several factors contribute to the proliferation of goosegrass in lawns and landscapes. Understanding these causes can help homeowners and landscapers implement preventive measures to minimize goosegrass infestations.
Controlling goosegrass requires a multifaceted approach that combines cultural practices, chemical control, and preventive measures. Below are some effective strategies for managing goosegrass infestations.
Goosegrass is a formidable weed that can cause serious damage to lawns. Its prolific seed production, aggressive roots, and ability to thrive in tough conditions make it a formidable foe in your lawn, but the information and advice in this blog post should help you combat this weed. For more information on weed control, or to find out about our professional weed control services for the Albany, Georgia area, give us a call today!
