Torpedo grass can quickly spread through your lawn, garden beds, and even around water areas. Its deep roots and fast growth make it hard to control once it takes hold. Many homeowners struggle to keep it from coming back again and again.
This guide will show you safe and easy ways to stop torpedo grass using simple tools and methods. Whether you like natural solutions or need stronger weed control, we’ve included both. You’ll learn how to get rid of torpedo grass in a way that protects your yard.
Start now before the problem gets worse. With a few clear steps, you can take back your outdoor space and enjoy a clean, healthy lawn again. Let’s go over what works.
Why Is Torpedo Grass Hard to Remove?
Torpedo grass is hard to get rid of because it spreads in many ways. One way is through rhizomes, which are thick roots that grow deep under the ground. Even if you cut the grass, these roots can make it grow back.
It also spreads by seeds. These small seeds can move with the wind, water, or stick to shoes and tools. Once they land in a new spot, they grow quickly and make new patches of grass in your yard or garden.
Another way it spreads is through stolons. These are long, thin stems that grow above the ground. When they touch the soil, they grow roots and new grass. This helps the weed spread fast and take over your lawn.
How to Tell If You Have Torpedo Grass in Your Lawn
Before treatment, make sure you’re dealing with torpedo grass and not a similar-looking weed.
Key identifying features include:
1. Torpedo-Shaped Leaves
Torpedo grass gets its name from the shape of its leaves. They are long, narrow, and pointed, just like a torpedo. These bluish-green blades grow in thick bunches, making them easy to spot. Their sharp look helps identify this stubborn lawn weed quickly.
2. Creeping Rooted Stems
The stems of torpedo grass grow sideways along the ground and root at the joints. These creeping stems form thick mats that take over lawns fast. This rooting method allows the weed to spread quickly and crowd out healthy grass, making control more difficult.
3. Summer Seed Heads
In the warmer months, torpedo grass grows fluffy seed heads. These soft seed clusters appear in summer and spread easily by wind. Once they land, they grow new patches fast. This is another reason why torpedo grass keeps returning if not removed properly.
Safe & Effective DIY Torpedo Grass Removal Techniques
1. Manual Removal (Best for Small Infestations)
If you’ve spotted torpedo grass early, manual removal can work, but only if done thoroughly.
- Dig deep: Use a shovel or garden fork to remove the entire root system, including rhizomes. Even small fragments left behind can regrow.
- Dispose properly: Bag and discard the grass (don’t compost it, as it may sprout again).
- Monitor the area: New shoots may appear, so repeat the process as needed.
This method is labor-intensive but avoids chemicals, making it ideal for organic gardeners.
2. Smothering (Solarization) to Kill Torpedo Grass Naturally
For larger patches, smothering deprives the grass of sunlight, weakening it over time. Here’s how:
- Mow or cut the grass as short as possible.
- Cover the area with thick black plastic, cardboard, or multiple layers of newspaper.
- Weigh it down with rocks or mulch to block light completely.
- Leave it for 6-8 weeks; this ensures the roots and rhizomes die from lack of sunlight.
Solarization works best in hot weather, as the trapped heat speeds up the process.
When to Use Herbicides for Torpedo Grass
If manual removal or smothering isn’t enough, selective herbicides can help. The key is choosing the right product and applying it correctly:
Use Glyphosate Carefully
Glyphosate weed killers like Roundup can stop torpedo grass fast, but they also kill other plants. Use it only on the weed by spraying small spots. Be careful not to spray nearby grass or flowers so you don’t harm the rest of your lawn.
Try Grass-Safe Herbicide
Sethoxydim is a weed killer made just for grassy weeds like torpedo grass. It won’t hurt most lawn grass or other good plants. This makes it a safer choice if you want to get rid of torpedo grass without damaging the rest of your yard.
Application Tips:
- Apply on a warm, dry day for maximum absorption.
- Reapply as needed (torpedo grass often requires multiple treatments).
- Avoid spraying near water sources if using chemical herbicides.
Maintaining a Healthy Lawn to Prevent Regrowth
Once you’ve removed torpedo grass, preventing its return is crucial. A thick, healthy lawn naturally resists weeds. Follow these steps:
Mow Tall to Block Weeds
Mow your lawn higher to help block sunlight from reaching the torpedo grass. Taller grass grows thick, giving fewer chances for weeds to spread and keeping your yard healthy and green.
Water Deep and Less Often
Water your lawn deeply a few times a week. This helps roots grow strong. Strong roots make grass healthier and better at keeping out torpedo grass and other common lawn weeds.
Use the Right Amount of Fertilizer
Too much fertilizer can feed weeds like torpedo grass. Use the correct amount for your grass type. This helps your lawn stay green without allowing weeds to grow in your yard.
Cover Bare Spots with Grass Seed
Fill empty spots in your lawn with grass seed. Bare areas give the torpedo grass space to return. Thick grass helps stop weeds and keeps your lawn looking clean and full.
Mistakes When Trying to Get Rid of Torpedo Grass
Many homeowners make these errors, leading to regrowth:
- Pulling without digging deep (rhizomes remain and regrow).
- Using the wrong herbicide (non-grass-safe chemicals can damage lawns).
- Not following up (torpedo grass often needs repeated treatment).
Avoiding these mistakes increases your chances of success.
Conclusion
Stop letting torpedo grass ruin your outdoor space. With the right steps, your yard can stay green, neat, and free of aggressive weeds. It all begins with using trusted methods that target the problem and protect your lawn’s overall health.
All Season Landcare provides expert solutions for homeowners looking to restore and maintain their yards. Our team handles weed issues with care while offering dependable lawn care maintenance tailored to your needs. We treat every lawn like it’s our own, with lasting results you can see.
To discover how to get rid of torpedo grass the right way, reach out today. Call (817) 545-8590 for professional help and friendly service that keeps your yard clean, safe, and thriving. Enjoy the lawn you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you kill torpedo grass?
To kill torpedo grass, use a selective herbicide that targets invasive grasses without harming nearby plants. Apply it carefully, then repeat as needed. Manual removal combined with lawn care helps prevent regrowth and keeps your yard healthy and green.
Does baking soda kill torpedo grass?
Baking soda may burn torpedo grass leaves, but won’t kill the roots, so it’s not effective for long-term control. For better results, use a targeted herbicide or consistent lawn care practices designed to eliminate torpedo grass and stop it from spreading.
What is the best way to get rid of grass burrs?
The best way to get rid of grass burrs is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring. Mow your lawn regularly, keep it thick, and water properly to prevent burrs from growing back and reduce their chances of spreading in future seasons.
What’s the best way to kill grass permanently?
To kill grass permanently, use a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate. Spray directly on the grass, wait for it to die completely, then remove the dead patches. This method ensures roots are eliminated, preventing regrowth in driveways, paths, or unwanted areas.
Will vinegar kill grass permanently?
Vinegar can kill grass on the surface, but it usually doesn’t reach deep roots, so it’s not permanent. Stronger industrial vinegar works better, but for long-term results, pair it with root removal or use a non-selective herbicide for complete effectiveness.
End Note
Need expert help on how to get rid of torpedo grass? Count on All Season Landcare for tailored lawn solutions that restore balance and beauty to your yard. Our team delivers dependable weed control and proven treatments that keep your landscape strong and healthy.
Maintain your lawn’s clean look with weekly lawn maintenance services. All Season Landcare uses expert care methods that manage weeds and support lasting lawn growth. From mowing to fertilizing, every task is handled with precision to keep your outdoor space in top shape.
Reach out now through our contact page or follow us on Facebook for helpful updates. Let our lawn care team do the hard work so you can enjoy a weed-free, beautiful yard that thrives all season long.
All Seasons Landcare
5109 Commercial Dr # D, North Richland Hills, TX 76180, United States
+18175458590
