There are no selective controls for most perennial grass weed problems. Creeping bentgrass is best controlled by removing the sod infested with creeping bentgrass with a sod cutter and replacing with clean sod. There is a selective control for tall fescue when it contaminates Kentucky bluegrass. The herbicide chlorsulfuron, sold as Lesco TFC, will selectively remove tall fescue from Kentucky bluegrass without injuring the bluegrass. Quackgrass is a very tough perennial lawn weed without a selective control.
Quackgrass spreads through a lawn by underground structures called rhizomes.
A sod cutter does not effectively remove a quackgrass problem because the rhizomes will often be below the level at which the sod is cut. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company.