Getting Rid of Stinkgrass: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have ever struggled with stinkgrass invading your lawn and garden, you know just how frustrating it can be. This noxious weed grows quickly and smells terrible, making it undesirable for even the most robust landscapes. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to keep stinkgrass from taking over your property. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about getting rid of stinkgrass once and for all.

What is Stinkgrass, and Why is it a Problem?

Stinkgrass, also known by its scientific name Eragrostis cilianensis, is a type of weed that grows in many parts of the United States. It is an annual grass that typically grows to be around 2-3 feet tall and has a distinctive odor - some people compare it to the smell of rotten eggs or skunk spray. While stinkgrass doesn't pose a direct threat to human health, it can cause problems for your yard and garden.

Stinkgrass competes with other plants for space, water, and nutrients, making it difficult for desirable plants to thrive. Additionally, the odor that stinkgrass emits can be unpleasant for people and pets who spend time outdoors. If you have stinkgrass growing on your property, it's essential to take action to control it before it can spread and cause further damage.

Identifying Stinkgrass

Stinkgrass Plant Closeup

The first step to getting rid of stinkgrass is being able to identify it correctly. As mentioned earlier, stinkgrass has a distinctive odor, so if you notice a bad smell coming from some grass in your yard, it might be stinkgrass. Additionally, stinkgrass leaves are flat and linear, with a pointed tip and rough edges. The stem of the plant is usually light green or yellowish and is covered in small hairs. Stinkgrass seeds are tiny, round, and brown - they look similar to the seeds of other common weeds like crabgrass and foxtail.

Controlling Stinkgrass Naturally

Natural Stinkgrass Control

If you prefer to avoid using chemical herbicides in your lawn and garden, there are several natural methods that you can use to control stinkgrass:

• Hand-pulling: If you only have a small amount of stinkgrass to deal with, hand-pulling can be an effective method of control. Be sure to wear gloves and pull the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent regrowth.
• Mulching: Covering the ground with a layer of mulch can help to smother stinkgrass and prevent it from growing. To be effective, the mulch should be at least three inches thick and made from organic materials like wood chips or straw.
• Vinegar: Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water directly onto the stinkgrass can kill the plant without harming surrounding vegetation. However, be careful not to get vinegar on desirable plants, as it can damage their foliage.
• Corn gluten meal: Corn gluten meal is a natural herbicide that can be used to prevent stinkgrass from germinating. Apply it to your lawn in the spring or fall, following the package instructions for best results.

Using Chemical Herbicides

Chemical Stinkgrass Control

If natural methods aren't effective in controlling your stinkgrass problem, you may need to turn to chemical herbicides. There are several herbicides available that are specifically designed to target stinkgrass, including glyphosate and quinclorac. These chemicals work by killing the plant's root system, preventing it from regrowing. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using herbicides, as they can be harmful to humans and pets if not used correctly.

Preventing Stinkgrass from Returning

Prevent Stinkgrass

Once you have successfully controlled your stinkgrass problem, it's essential to take steps to prevent it from returning. Here are some tips:

• Maintain healthy soil: Stinkgrass thrives in compacted, nutrient-deficient soil. By keeping your soil healthy and well-aerated, you can make it less hospitable to stinkgrass and other weeds.
• Mow regularly: Keeping your lawn mowed to the proper height (around 2-3 inches) can prevent stinkgrass from going to seed and spreading.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides: Pre-emergent herbicides like pendimethalin can be applied to your lawn to prevent stinkgrass from germinating.
• Hand-weed regularly: Regularly inspecting your lawn and garden for stinkgrass and other weeds and pulling them by hand can prevent them from becoming established.

Other helpful tips for controlling stinkgrass include maintaining a healthy balance of nitrogen and phosphorus in your soil, using a lawn fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide, and avoiding over-watering your lawn and garden. With these strategies in mind, you'll be well on your way to getting rid of stinkgrass once and for all.