It adapts well to close, frequent mowing and even produces seed when mowed at putting green heights. Mature leaf blades of goosegrass are extremely difficult to cut with a mower. Often the leaf blades are frayed by the mower and the tips develop a whitish cast. Mower blades must be kept sharp to maintain a satisfactory cut on goosegrass infested turf. Goosegrass emergence from seed begins as early as March in Florida and South Texas and as late as June in the northern portions of the South.
Emergence continues throughout the summer months.
Plants are usually killed by the first frost in the fall. Cultural practices that promote vigorous turf and maintain a complete grass cover will keep goosegrass populations to a minimum. But where the grass cover is weakened by traffic or by competition with overseeded grasses, goosegrass emerges in the spring and summer. Preemerge herbicides such as Barricade, Ronstar, Surflan, Pre-M, Devrinol and Balan will control goosegrass in warm season grasses. A single application of Ronstar at 3 pounds active per acre several weeks prior to the expected emergence date will provide season-long control of goosegrass.