With good landscaping comes a sometimes difficult pest to control: invasive species.
According to Chillico the Gazette, many people will need to gear up to fight back against Bermuda grass this summer. The invasive weed is important to fight in its early stages — sprayed early, it can be eliminated. Wait too long, though, and the plant goes dormant, rendering sprays ineffective.
The Bermuda grass has muddled many a once-beautiful landscape. They can quickly take over first lawns, then shrub and flower beds. Bermuda grass is anchored by a strong root system that can go many feet down into the soil — and it’s the root system that makes the plant difficult to eliminate once it has established itself. Few herbicides have much effect on this green invader.
Bermuda grass is currently considered an invasive species in 48 states. Originally hailing from the Middle East, it was brought to Bermuda — thus earning its current name — and it then traveled onward to the U.S. It was at first considered a viable lawn alternative, since it grew close to the ground and didn’t need much cutting.
However, its invasive qualities quickly became apparent. The plant is infamous for smothering out all other grasses and plants in a garden, earning it the alternative nickname of “devil grass.” For this reason, it’s a good idea to consult a local landscaper before introducing any and every interesting plant you find online to your lawn — you could be unintentionally adding a plant that turns out to be very difficult to stifle.
“Consulting with your local lawn care provider is the most effective way to minimize the grasp Bermuda grass and other invasive grasses can potentially have on your lawn. Overseeding every fall to help build a tough turf can also help prevent from invasive grass species from gaining a foothold in your lawn.” says Don Saunders President at Saunders Landscaping Supply
here is no chemical that can kill Bermuda grass seeds, and tilling the grass won’t help — it will actually lead to a quicker spread. When the plant is chopped up, each segment can become a new plant, leading to a hydra-like garden problem. “A weed that aggressive can ruin your landscaping in short order when it moves from the lawn into gardens and tree wells,” says Steve Boehme, owner of an Southern Ohio-area nursery.