Utah weeds · Perennial grass · peak April – September
How to get rid of Quackgrass in Utah
How to recognize Quackgrass
- Flat, bright green blades with small claw-like “ears” where the blade meets the stem
- Wheat-like seed heads in summer
- Pale, pointed, jointed underground stems that run sideways through the soil
- Clumps that seem to appear inside other plants
Why it thrives in Utah
Quackgrass hides in flower beds and vegetable gardens because the rhizomes weave between the roots of the plants you want. Each piece of rhizome can sprout a new plant, so breaking it up, or tilling it, spreads it.
How to remove it by hand
- Water the area a day before, or work after rain, so the soil is soft.
- Use a hand fork to loosen the soil around the clump instead of pulling the blades.
- Lift the whole network of rhizomes, following them out as far as they go.
- Pick out every piece. Even short sections can resprout.
- Bag it all. Do not compost quackgrass.
When to pull it
Spring and fall are best, when the soil is cool and moist. It grows from April through September.
How to keep it from coming back
- Edge beds so rhizomes from lawn or neighboring yards cannot creep in.
- Mulch to slow new shoots and make them easier to spot.
- Pull small shoots early, before the rhizomes have time to run.
Quackgrass FAQs
Why does quackgrass snap when I pull it?
The blades are attached to rhizomes below ground. Pulling the blades snaps them off and leaves the rhizome behind, so loosen the soil and lift the underground stems instead.
Can I compost quackgrass?
It is safer not to. Rhizome pieces and seed can survive a compost pile and spread when you use it.
Why is quackgrass hard to remove from garden beds?
The rhizomes weave through other roots, so you have to work around your plants and lift the network a piece at a time.
Skip the pulling
A weeder from Utah Weed Pullers can handle quackgrass for you: one visit a week, pulled by hand with no sprays, from $322 a month. We serve all of Utah County and Salt Lake County, including Lehi, Provo, Orem, Draper, Sandy, South Jordan, American Fork, Salt Lake City. See every city.