Distinguishing perennial grassy weeds from other weeds is very important because control measures differ markedly. When establishing or renovating a turf area, it is essential that perennial weeds are identified to maximize the optimum time for control. Perennial grassy weeds can be grouped into two main categories. Bunch-type grasses, which include tall fescue and orchard grass, can be controlled quite easily. Spreading grasses, such as bentgrass, nimblewill, quackgrass, bermudagrass, and zoysia, are more difficult, if not impossible, to control.
Tall fescue is a coarse-textured grass, often used as a primary turf species.
Tall fescue infestations often result from contamination in a lower quality seed source. Tall fescue leaves are rolled in the bud shoot, and the stem bases are often reddish-colored. Orchardgrass is also a bunch-type grass, like tall fescue, with a coarse, upright growth habit. Orchardgrass has very compressed, flat stem bases, is folded in the bud shoot, has no auricles, and has a long, membranous ligule. Infestations are also usually the result of contaminated seed lots.