The optimal period may be just prior to inflorescence emergence, and early enough to avoid damage to warm-season grasses. Quackgrass is palatable to herbivores and is one of the earlier plants to start growth in the spring. Mechanical control methods have some potential to reduce plant vigor and numbers, but they may also stimulate rhizome and tiller production. Repeated mowing to a height of 5 cm or less will reduce seed production and may reduce plant vigor. However, quackgrass will retain its capability to accumulate and store root reserves.
Timing is important for mowing treatments.
It is necessary to mow only when the plants are actively growing in the spring and fall. Mowing should be suspended when desirable plants begin growth. Repeated tillage from early August until the ground freezes is another method of control, however, it is quite destructive and does not give complete control. Chemical control methods are limited for quackgrass. Many herbicides are not specific to quackgrass or may not be specifically licensed for this use.