How to Kill Rye Grass

Rye grass is a beneficial cover crop, but must be suppressed come spring.

Rye grass is used as a cover crop in farms and gardens, and grows tall throughout the fall and winter. Its roots grow shallow and fibrous; the plants can be planted very densely to suppress weeds. Additionally, rye grass is beneficial in soils with an overabundance of nematodes. Despite these benefits, when spring comes along, it can be burdensome to get rid of the rye before it goes to seed so that the soil can be cultivated once again.

Things You'll Need

• Weed trimmer
• Lawn mower
• Spade

Instructions

1. If you do not mind the rye grass going to seed so that it will spread and emerge again in the fall, allow the plant to simply die off in the summer heat. Otherwise, action must be taken before the seed heads mature.

2. Cut the grass with a weed trimmer as close to the ground as possible.

3. Allow the rye tops to sit on the remaining stems to keep them from re-emerging. All grasses will re-emerge if they are permitted.

4. After one week mow the remaining grass stems. This will not only cut the stems further, but will also chop up the dried tops. The chopped matter will serve as a mulch to prevent regrowth.

5. Allow three weeks for the full decomposition of the rye stems and roots. Repeat mowing during this time if any grass emerges.

6. If you wish to start new plants in the space once occupied by rye, cultivate the soil with a spade. Dig and flip the dead rye over bit by bit, or simply dig one hole for each new plant. The rye roots will have improved the soil organic matter content and texture significantly.

References

• Oregon State University: Annual Ryegrass