Barnyardgrass Control for Turf

Barnyardgrass is a coarse summer annual grass that favors wet, compacted, nutrient-rich soil. It can quickly overtop slow-establishing turf.

How to Identify Barnyardgrass

Broad leaves arise from flattened stems, and the plant lacks a ligule at the leaf collar. Mature seedheads branch into coarse green-to-purple clusters.

Why It Appears in Turf

Overwatering, low areas, disturbed soil, and thin turf favor germination through warm months.

Make the Site Less Favorable

• Maintain the recommended mowing height and avoid scalping.
• Correct irrigation, drainage, compaction, fertility, or shade problems that thin desirable turf.
• Repair bare areas and use adapted turf cultivars to close openings where seedlings establish.

Choosing a Turf Herbicide

Use the products below as a starting point, then match the herbicide to the desirable turf species and the weed's growth stage. Preemergence products must be applied and activated before germination; postemergence products work best on small, actively growing weeds. Repeat applications may be needed where the label allows.

Label note: Confirm the desirable turf species, use site, target weed, application timing, rate, adjuvant directions, and reseeding restrictions on the current label before use.