Invasive species of grass such as devil's grass, couch grass and dog tooth grass can be found in many parts of the world.If allowed to grow, the grass can take over in a matter of minutes.The root system needs to be eradicated to stop it in its tracks.One of the most effective ways to get rid of it is by spraying it with a powerful herbicide like glyphosate, which will cause it to turn brown and die off.If you would rather not use harsh chemicals on your lawn, try smothering it with a layer of cardboard and mulch, burning it out through solarization, or stripping it by hand.The World Health Organization considers the pesticide glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen.It is not allowed in some countries.If you handle this chemical, please check with your local laws.
Step 1: The heavier the growth, the easier it is to pull it up by hand.
If you want to choke out the creeping grass, you need to remove as much of it as possible.If you want to remove the root system, you have to grab a few leaves near the soil and pull them up.Your cover will be more effective if you clear the ground.To prevent the spread of small pieces to other parts of your lawn, use a leaf bag or wheelbarrow to dispose of the stripped grass.If you want to prevent it from spreading, you should throw it in the trash.You could try mowing the lawn very short if you don't want to pull the grass.
Step 2: 2 layers of cardboard cover the bare patch.
The cardboard acts as an insulation to keep the root system from being damaged.The kind of growth that pops up on most lawns should be enough for 2 stacked sheets.It may be necessary to use 3 layers if you have a serious overgrowth problem.Parcels of cut cardboard can be found at most home improvement centers.Look for boxes that have been thrown out or recycled.To keep grass out of the cardboard, overlap the edges of each section.You could use several layers of wet newspaper if you don't have cardboard.In areas with sparse ground cover, you can use landscaping fabric in place of cardboard to achieve the same effect.
Step 3: The mulch is on top of cardboard.
The mulch is about 6” thick.It will be possible to plant smaller flowers and shrubs without exposing the root system of the grass.Once the mulch is in place, compact it with the help of a shovel or trowel.Any conventional gardening mulch will do, or go with an all-organic mixture of arborist's waste and compost.
Step 4: Allow 3-6 months for the cover to finish off the roots.
Don't disturb the mulch or the underlying cardboard as much as possible.The grass will no longer be able to survive after an extended period of dry weather.The light cover will usually be wiped out within a couple months.If you want to see how the buffer is working, dig down to a small section of cardboard and peel it back.
Step 5: You should remove as much grass as possible.
Pull out small sections of the grass by hand, or Mow it down close to the ground.The time it takes for the landscaping fabric to be effective is reduced by removing the bulk of the grass.Shorter grass is less likely to cause bunching beneath the fabric.
Step 6: Place a sheet of fabric over the affected area.
You can stretch the sheet over the part of the lawn or flowerbed where the growth is heaviest.Make sure the sheet is flat.The best ground cover for broad areas is landscaping fabric.The sheet needs to be cut to fit over the narrow areas.Don't damage the landscaping fabric while you're handling it.
Step 7: Make room for your plants by cutting holes in the landscaping fabric.
To open up the fabric, use a pair of scissors or a utility knife.Wait until you're ready to plant to make holes for the new plants, if you think you might want to add them in the future.There are fewer places where new grass might come up.Make the holes small enough to fit around your plants.If you do, you may discover that new grass has sprouted in the intervening space.Only cut holes for plants.You have to remove the landscaping fabric more frequently if you care for annuals.
Step 8: There is a layer of mulch over the landscaping fabric.
The mulch is 10–15 cm thick.You should be able to plant new additions later on.To avoid crowding the roots and stem structures, leave 2–3 inches around the base of your plants.If you want your plants to flourish, you need the right mulch mixture.
Step 9: The area around the fabric should be inspected periodically.
The root growth will be stifled by the dense material.In the meantime, keep an eye on the edges and openings to make sure no new grass has found its way through.You have to Strip any stray leaves.A quicker alternative to ground cover is landscaping fabric.If not properly installed and maintained, it can create more opportunities for stubborn grass to spread.You shouldn't plant a lawn over landscaping fabric.
Step 10: The grass on the island of Bermuda needs to be mowed.
To remove as much growth as possible, clip the grass just above the level of the soil.The easier it will be to knock out, the less you have to contend with.If a lawnmower won't fit over narrow sections, hand-strip or run a weedeater.In regions with hot, dry climates, this method works best in the summertime.
Step 11: Take a sheet of plastic and stretch it over the patches.
Make sure the plastic is flat over the affected area.The plastic will amplify the sun's rays and use its heat to burn out the grass.It may be necessary to use multiple sheets for larger areas.To fit the part of your lawn overrun by the grass, cut the sheeting to the correct size and shape.Gardeners and landscaping specialists refer to the process of using concentrated UV light to wipe out invaders as solarization.
Step 12: The plastic needs to be secured.
Place heavy stones along the length every few feet if you want to tack down the loose edges.If the plastic is properly anchored, you won't have to worry about animals or wind pulling it up.To make sure the plastic stays put, bury the edges under the soil.
Step 13: The plastic should be left in place for 4-7 weeks.
The intense heat and light will fry the grass.The leaves dry out and become brittle, eventually leading to the death of the root system.All you have to do is carry on with your gardening and make sure the plastic isn't loosened.If you use a plastic cover, you will be able to monitor its progress without having to remove it.
Step 14: The grass needs to be mowed.
You may have to prepare them for excavation a few times.It's easier to get at the roots if you clear away the overgrown areas.
Step 15: The grass is beneath the root.
The soil needs to be agitated below the root level.Pull out the entire root structure in one piece.Throw the clumps into a bag or wheelbarrow to keep them away from the ground.If you miss live roots, they may find their way back into the loose soil and start the problem all over again.If you are worried about losing precious soil, place the clumps on a tarp to dry in the sun for a full day, then shake off the soil clinging to the roots and return it to your garden.
Step 16: Remove the roots by sifting the soil beneath the grass.
Take a close look at the turned soil for any root or leaf fragments that may have been left behind.Pick them out by hand whenever you see them.Make sure you don't leave any traces when you're done.In the coming weeks, keep a close watch on your lawn and garden for signs of a new crop of grass.One of the most cost-effective ways to guarantee that you have gotten rid of it is to dig out a sea of grass one handful at a time.
Step 17: Purchase some food.
Glyphosate, an active ingredient in weed killers, is a popular choice for stopping the spread of ground covers.You can find it at your local gardening store or home improvement center.It's easy to coat an entire section of the lawn with it.Glyphosate is harmful to any type of plant it comes into contact with, not just weed-like species like Bermuda grass.You should use it with care because it is toxic.You should wear protective equipment and follow the instructions on the label.
Step 18: Before applying the herbicide, you should water your lawn thoroughly.
If you want to wet the grass, sweep a garden hose over it twice a day.A good watering helps the leaves grow.Chemicals are absorbed through the leaves rather than the roots.Set the sprinkler system to douse the grass in regular intervals.The best time to use herbicides is in the spring and summer when the leaves are wet.
Step 19: The grass needs to be sprayed with the weed killer.
The affected area should be coated evenly with a heavy mist of the herbicide.As it soaks into the leaves, it will break down the grass'sidases.Don't mow or irrigating the grass for the next few days.Carefully follow the instructions on the label to make sure you deploy the chemical safely.It is a good idea to wear gloves and a strap on a facemask to protect your airway when working withGlyphosate.
Step 20: Once the grass dies off, repeat as many times as needed.
One round of herbicide won't do the trick because of the persistent nature of Bermuda grass.The grass can spread if you don't treat your lawn once a week.The process may need to be repeated up to 5 times.As the grass dies, look for it to turn brown.It's a good idea to survey other places where the grass may be hidden.It will be difficult for future plantings to thrive if they are sprayed with herbicides.It's best to wait at least 2 months before planting.