How to Control Rye Grass

Kill both annual and perennial rye grass with seasonal applications of pre-emergent herbicide.

Gardeners fight against two common rye grass types that impede their lawn's growth: Italian and California rye grass. According to the University of California, rye grass growing in the north can become easily infected with fungal diseases. Fungal diseases can cause existing turf many health and aesthetic problems. It is essential to remove rye grass from yards in order to prevent this grassy weed from competing with your grass for the soil's nutrients.

Things You'll Need

• Colored chalk
• Spade
• Garden hose
• Wheel barrow
• Scissors
• Landscape fabric
• Bricks
• Mulch
• Tiller
• Grass seeds
• Handheld seed spreader
• Compost
• Rake
• Pre-emergent herbicide

Instructions

1. Locate the areas within the yard where rye grass is growing. Rye grass characteristically has shiny leaves, spiky flowers and grows in clumps between September and April. Sprinkle a colored chalk to mark these areas that you need to focus your efforts.

2. Dig 2 inches deep around the rye grass with a spade. Water the area if the ground is compacted before digging. Lift the rye grass from underneath to remove its root system. Place the rye grass in a wheelbarrow to throw away or in a pile to burn.

3. Cut a landscaping fabric that contains pre-emergence herbicide with sharp scissors to place over the rye grass area. Place bricks or mulch over the fabric to keep the fabric down. By placing landscaping fabric over the area, you smother any existing weeds or seeds.

4. Keep the landscaping fabric over the rye grass areas during the warmest part of summer for four to six weeks.

5. Remove the fabric and till the area.

6. Pour your lawn seeds into a hand held seeder. Distribute the grass seed over the bare areas.

7. Cover the seeds with 1/8 of an inch compost and water the area. Water the germinating seeds with a light mist four times a day until the grass grows to 1 inch before returning to your normal watering routine.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray your lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide in the early fall and spring to prevent rye grass seeds from germinating.

• Avoid killing your existing grass by spraying the rye grass with a broad spectrum herbicide.

References

• University of California: Rye Grasses
• University of Maryland: Perennial Grassy Weeds