How Can I Get Rid of Wiregrass?

45.4K
4.1K
408
2025-11-09
How Can I Get Rid of Wiregrass?

Wiregrass is another name for Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Because it is a perennial, it will return each year. As you've discovered, it's persistent. It can spread rapidly as its rhizomes creep underground. Because digging has been ineffective for you, you're left with chemical control. Glyphosate (RoundUp) works, but because it kills whatever it comes in contact with, it may be risky to use in a bed where ornamentals are growing. Obviously, you shouldn't use it if there's any risk of spraying your desirable plants. You could apply Roundup with a paintbrush so you touch only the grass and not your flowers. Be patient; it might be several weeks before Roundup takes effect. A second or third application often is needed to kill wiregrass. Give the area where you are going to apply it a good watering a couple of days before you apply the herbicide. This will help actively growing weeds absorb the herbicide quickly.

Another option is the herbicide fluazifop, which is sold in garden centers as a "selective grass killer" or "grassy weed control." It selectively kills grasses but leaves most ornamentals alone. You'll see a long list of plants that are and aren't harmed by it on the product's label, so be sure to read it carefully and follow all directions. It's available in ready-to-use spray bottles.

Related Article

How to Aerate Your Lawn for Healthy, Green Grass
27K
2.7K
1K

How to Aerate Your Lawn for Healthy, Green Grass

Learn how to aerate your lawn to encourage lush, verdant grass growth. Tips include when to aerate, methods for aeration, and preparation steps.
How to Get Rid of Moss in the Lawn and Prevent It From Returning
18.9K
189
54

How to Get Rid of Moss in the Lawn and Prevent It From Returning

Skip the herbicides and get rid of moss in the lawn with these eco-friendly tips.
Dog Urine Killing Your Lawn? This Seed Spot Repair Treatment Restores Grass Ruined by Pet Messes
21.8K
436
148

Dog Urine Killing Your Lawn? This Seed Spot Repair Treatment Restores Grass Ruined by Pet Messes

If dog urine is leaving spots in your lawn, the Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair treatment can restore grass ruined by pets in under one week. It’s easy to apply and only at Amazon.
How to Plant and Grow Lisianthus
40.6K
1.6K
373

How to Plant and Grow Lisianthus

Lisianthus flowers come in various romantic colors and add an elegant touch to any garden or floral arrangement.
4 Simple Ways to Keep Tulips From Drooping in a Vase
13.2K
394
177

4 Simple Ways to Keep Tulips From Drooping in a Vase

Learn how to keep your tulips from drooping with our handy tips, which include use of proper plant food, and flower pairings to avoid. Find out what to do with your vase for tulips to make the most of your blooms.
19 Perennial Plants for Cut Flowers to Fill Your Vases All Season Long
17.6K
1.2K
135

19 Perennial Plants for Cut Flowers to Fill Your Vases All Season Long

Grow these perennials in a cutting garden so you'll always have something to snip for fresh bouquets.
How and When to Plant Daffodil Bulbs to Enjoy Their Cheerful Spring Flowers
28.3K
2.8K
423

How and When to Plant Daffodil Bulbs to Enjoy Their Cheerful Spring Flowers

Learn the best timing and techniques for planting daffodil bulbs.
How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants
35.4K
353
102

How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants

Have you noticed little bugs on cucumber plants in your garden? Find out how to identify a cucumber beetle and prevent these insects from killing your cucumber, melon, squash, and other crops.
How to Control Japanese Garden Beetles When They Invade Your Yard
32.1K
963
298

How to Control Japanese Garden Beetles When They Invade Your Yard

Use this guide to identify and eliminate the voracious pests that leave plants with tattered foliage and banish their lawn-damaging larvae.
How to Stop Slugs from Chewing Holes in Hosta Leaves
31.9K
319
102

How to Stop Slugs from Chewing Holes in Hosta Leaves

If slugs are waging war on your hostas, fight back with these easy-to-execute strategies.
How to Attract Hummingbird Moths to Your Yard for a Fabulous Show
29.7K
1.5K
370

How to Attract Hummingbird Moths to Your Yard for a Fabulous Show

Hummingbird moths are fascinating to watch. Find out how to attract them to your garden.
8 Insect-Repelling Plants that Work Naturally to Send Bugs Packing
25.2K
1K
221

8 Insect-Repelling Plants that Work Naturally to Send Bugs Packing

Improve your time outdoors with a few strongly scented insect-repelling plants, which can send pesky biting bugs, like mosquitoes and flies, packing.
How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers So They Don't Eat Your Plants
44.1K
1.3K
238

How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers So They Don't Eat Your Plants

Grasshoppers have huge appetites. Use these tips for how to get rid of grasshoppers and keep them from devouring your garden.

8 Expert Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders
21.3K
1.3K
421

8 Expert Tips on How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

These tips from experts on how to keep squirrels out of bird feeders ensure a cleaner outdoor space and only birds at your feeder.
How to Get Rid of Flea Beetles in Your Garden
47.3K
945
103

How to Get Rid of Flea Beetles in Your Garden

Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent flea beetle damage in your garden with this beginner-friendly guide.
How to Plant and Grow a Quaking Aspen Tree
2.1K
146
43

How to Plant and Grow a Quaking Aspen Tree

Quaking aspens are striking as fast-growing windbreaks, screens, and mass plantings. These cold-hardy trees grow almost 5 feet per year.
21 Best Types of Evergreen Shrubs to Grow for Year-Round Color
49.2K
983
432

21 Best Types of Evergreen Shrubs to Grow for Year-Round Color

Count on these low maintenance evergreen shrubs to provide color and structure in the landscape 365 days a year.
6 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees Correctly
49.1K
491
127

6 Must-Know Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees Correctly

Use these tips on pruning crape myrtle to ensure you trim with precision, enhancing the health and vibrancy of this flowering tree.
How to Plant and Grow Trumpet Vine
32.5K
1.6K
503

How to Plant and Grow Trumpet Vine

Learn to plant and grow trumpet vine, rugged plants with loads of bright trumpet-like blossoms. Use caution when planting—they're sometimes invasive.
How to Plant and Grow Saybrook Gold Juniper
14.3K
286
42

How to Plant and Grow Saybrook Gold Juniper

Saybrook Gold juniper is a low-growing, spreading shrub with golden-yellow foliage that turns bronze in the winter.