How to Get Rid of Torpedo Grass
Torpedo grass, one of the most common weeds is also one of the most difficult to get rid of. It is useful in preventing coastal erosion, but is nothing but a pimple on your lawn. To get the most out of your lawn and garden, use these tried and true methods for dealing with this pervasive menace:
Dig It Out
If you need to get rid of torpedo grass that has sprouted up in isolated pockets in your garden or flower bed, the best method is to dig out the weed and replace the soil. First, dig a ditch several inches deep around the torpedo grass. Avoid contact with the weed, as disturbance encourages germination. Then, saturated the entire area in a broad spectrum herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup). After two or three weeks, remove the torpedo grass and replace the soil.
Spray with Herbicides
If your torpedo grass infestation pervades a large area, such as a lawn or large garden, then you are not going to be able to dig all of it out. Instead you must spray the lawn with an herbicide that targets grasses such as Drive 75 by BASF. You may have to spray twice a year for three to four years in order for this method to be effective. Remember to reseed your desired grasses immediately after spraying the herbicide so that you won’t have noticeable thinning of your lawn.
Start From Scratch
If all else fails, you can always eradicate your entire lawn or garden, resodding or replanting from scratch. There are two methods for doing this: A strong herbicide or something called soil solarization. Soil Solarization involves covering the ground with clear plastic and letting the heat from the sun kill of all the vegetation, including that hated torpedo grass. You should consult your local lawn and garden store for information about what would be the best method for your area.
Getting rid of torpedo grass is not a simple task. Depending on the extent of the problem, it could take a good deal of work. But with a patience and consistency the methods outlined above should prove effective.
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From what I have read this is NOT the way to get rid of torpedo grass. Herbicides are not only toxic to you and the environment they do not kill the seeds and the grass just comes back later. To kill torpedo grass you have to kill it with heat. Cover the area you want to kill with a clear plastic (thick 1+ mil plastic sheet)and anchor down the edges so they do not blow off. Do this in the hottest part of the year (july and august) and keep covered for about least 6 weeks. The heat generated by the sun under the clear plastic will destroy the plant and seeds.
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Rod! It will definitely be helpful to our readers. We try to keep our articles simple and straightforward, but it’s great to hear from someone who has experience in getting rid of torpedo grass. Keep up the good work!