Dollarweed, also known as pennywort, is a common weed that can invade and damage centipede grass lawns. This aquatic plant can spread quickly, forming dense mats that choke out the grass and create an eyesore. Controlling dollarweed requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. In this article, we will explore the most effective ways to kill dollarweed in centipede grass, including prevention strategies, manual removal techniques, and herbicide applications.
Understanding Dollarweed and Centipede Grass
Before we dive into the control methods, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of dollarweed and centipede grass. Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp.) is a perennial weed that thrives in moist environments. It has rounded leaves with lobes, resembling a dollar sign, and can grow up to 12 inches tall. Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), on the other hand, is a warm-season grass native to Asia. It’s a popular choice for lawns in the southeastern United States due to its low maintenance requirements and heat tolerance.
Dollarweed can outcompete centipede grass for water, nutrients, and light, leading to a decline in grass health and density. Weak and stressed centipede grass is more susceptible to dollarweed invasion. Factors that contribute to weak centipede grass include poor soil quality, inadequate watering, and insufficient mowing and fertilization practices.
Soil and Moisture Factors
Dollarweed prefers moist to wet soil conditions, while centipede grass thrives in well-draining soil. Lawns with poor drainage or frequent flooding creates an ideal environment for dollarweed to grow. Additionally, soil with high pH levels and low nutrient content can weaken centipede grass, making it more vulnerable to dollarweed invasion.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing dollarweed from growing in the first place is the most effective way to control it. Here are some strategies to help prevent dollarweed invasion:
Maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn is crucial. This can be achieved by:
ensuring proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices
improving soil quality through aeration, dethatching, and adding organic matter
reducing soil compaction and improving drainage
Cultural Controls
Cultural controls involve modifying lawn care practices to create an environment that favors centipede grass growth over dollarweed. This includes:
raising the mowing height to 1-2 inches to promote deep root growth
watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
applying fertilizer according to soil test recommendations to promote healthy growth
Physical Barriers
Installing physical barriers, such as landscaping fabric or plastic edging, can help prevent dollarweed from spreading into the lawn. These barriers should be installed around the perimeter of the lawn, ensuring that they are buried deep enough to prevent dollarweed rhizomes from growing underneath.
Manual Removal Techniques
Manual removal is an effective method for controlling small dollarweed infestations. This involves physically removing the weed from the lawn, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible. It’s essential to remove dollarweed when it’s young and before it produces seeds, as mature plants can be more challenging to eradicate.
Hand-Pulling and Digging
Hand-pulling and digging are effective methods for removing small dollarweed plants. This involves:
watering the soil to make it softer and easier to dig
using a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the dollarweed plant
pulling the plant out of the ground, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible
Tools and Equipment
Using the right tools and equipment can make manual removal more efficient and effective. This includes:
using a garden rake or hoe to loosen the soil and remove small dollarweed plants
utilizing a weeding fork or tool to remove larger plants and more extensive root systems
Chemical Controls
Chemical controls involve applying herbicides to kill dollarweed. There are various herbicides available, including selective and non-selective options. It’s crucial to choose the right herbicide and follow the label instructions carefully to avoid damaging centipede grass or other desirable plants.
Selective Herbicides
Selective herbicides target specific weeds, such as dollarweed, while leaving centipede grass unharmed. These herbicides include:
2,4-D and MCPP, which are commonly used to control broadleaf weeds like dollarweed
dicamba and mecoprop, which are also effective against dollarweed and other broadleaf weeds
Non-Selective Herbicides
Non-selective herbicides kill all vegetation, including centipede grass and dollarweed. These herbicides include:
glyphosate, which is commonly used to control weeds in non-crop areas
glufosinate, which is also effective against a wide range of weeds, including dollarweed
Conclusion
Controlling dollarweed in centipede grass requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. By understanding the characteristics of dollarweed and centipede grass, maintaining a healthy lawn, and using the right control methods, you can effectively kill dollarweed and prevent it from invading your lawn. Remember to always follow label instructions when using herbicides, and take necessary precautions to avoid damaging centipede grass or other desirable plants. With patience and persistence, you can create a lush, dollarweed-free centipede grass lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
| Control Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Cultural Controls | Maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization practices |
| Manual Removal | Physically removing dollarweed from the lawn, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible |
| Chemical Controls | Applying herbicides to kill dollarweed, including selective and non-selective options |
By following these methods and taking a proactive approach to lawn care, you can effectively control dollarweed and maintain a healthy, thriving centipede grass lawn.
What is dollarweed and how does it affect centipede grass?
Dollarweed is a type of aquatic plant that can grow in lawns, particularly in areas with moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It is characterized by its round, flat leaves that resemble silver dollars, hence its common name. Dollarweed can be a problematic weed in centipede grass lawns because it can outcompete the grass for water, nutrients, and light. As a result, dollarweed can form dense mats that choke out the centipede grass, leading to bare spots and an uneven appearance.
To control dollarweed effectively, it is essential to understand its growth habits and preferences. Dollarweed thrives in moist environments, so reducing soil moisture through improved drainage or reduced irrigation can help discourage its growth. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn through proper mowing, fertilization, and pest management can help prevent dollarweed from taking hold. By combining these cultural practices with targeted control methods, homeowners can reduce the presence of dollarweed in their centipede grass lawns and promote a lush, even appearance.
How can I identify dollarweed in my centipede grass lawn?
Identifying dollarweed in a centipede grass lawn can be relatively easy, given its distinctive appearance. Dollarweed has round, flat leaves that are typically 1-3 inches in diameter, with a waxy texture and a bright green color. The leaves are often arranged in a rosette pattern, and the plant can produce small, white flowers on tall stalks. In contrast, centipede grass has narrow, pointed leaves that are typically a lighter green color. By examining the leaves and growth habit of the plants in your lawn, you should be able to distinguish dollarweed from centipede grass.
To confirm the identity of dollarweed, you can also consider thelocations where it is growing. Dollarweed often thrives in areas with excess moisture, such as near drainage ditches, low-lying spots, or overwatered areas. If you notice a plant with round leaves growing in one of these areas, it is likely to be dollarweed. Once you have identified dollarweed in your lawn, you can begin to take steps to control it, such as adjusting your mowing and irrigation practices or applying targeted herbicides. By taking prompt action, you can prevent dollarweed from spreading and reduce its impact on your centipede grass lawn.
What are the most effective methods for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass?
There are several methods for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass, ranging from cultural practices to chemical controls. One of the most effective methods is to improve drainage and reduce soil moisture, as dollarweed thrives in wet environments. This can be achieved by installing French drains, adjusting irrigation schedules, or adding organic matter to the soil to improve its structure. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn through proper mowing, fertilization, and pest management can help prevent dollarweed from taking hold.
For more severe infestations, targeted herbicides can be effective in controlling dollarweed. There are several herbicides available that are specifically labeled for use on dollarweed in centipede grass, including post-emergent herbicides that kill existing plants and pre-emergent herbicides that prevent new seeds from germinating. When using herbicides, it is essential to follow the label instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid damaging the centipede grass or other desirable plants. By combining cultural practices with targeted herbicides, homeowners can effectively control dollarweed and maintain a healthy, attractive centipede grass lawn.
Can I use herbicides to control dollarweed in my centipede grass lawn?
Yes, herbicides can be an effective method for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass lawns. There are several herbicides available that are specifically labeled for use on dollarweed in centipede grass, including post-emergent herbicides that kill existing plants and pre-emergent herbicides that prevent new seeds from germinating. When selecting an herbicide, it is essential to choose a product that is safe for use on centipede grass and follow the label instructions carefully to avoid damaging the lawn.
When using herbicides to control dollarweed, it is also important to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions. Herbicides can be harmful to people, pets, and other non-target plants, so it is essential to follow the label instructions carefully and take steps to minimize exposure. Additionally, herbicides may not provide a long-term solution to dollarweed control, as new seeds can germinate and grow into mature plants. To achieve long-term control, it is often necessary to combine herbicides with cultural practices, such as improving drainage and maintaining a healthy centipede grass lawn.
How can I prevent dollarweed from growing in my centipede grass lawn?
Preventing dollarweed from growing in a centipede grass lawn requires a combination of cultural practices and targeted controls. One of the most effective methods for preventing dollarweed is to improve drainage and reduce soil moisture, as dollarweed thrives in wet environments. This can be achieved by installing French drains, adjusting irrigation schedules, or adding organic matter to the soil to improve its structure. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn through proper mowing, fertilization, and pest management can help prevent dollarweed from taking hold.
To further prevent dollarweed, homeowners can also consider using pre-emergent herbicides in early spring, before the dollarweed seeds germinate. These products create a barrier on the soil surface that prevents the seeds from growing into mature plants. By combining cultural practices with pre-emergent herbicides, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of dollarweed growing in their centipede grass lawns and maintain a lush, even appearance. Regular monitoring and maintenance are also essential to prevent dollarweed from becoming established and to address any new growth promptly.
What are the best cultural practices for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass?
The best cultural practices for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass include improving drainage, reducing soil moisture, and maintaining a healthy and dense lawn. This can be achieved by installing French drains, adjusting irrigation schedules, or adding organic matter to the soil to improve its structure. Additionally, proper mowing, fertilization, and pest management practices can help promote a healthy centipede grass lawn that is more resistant to dollarweed. For example, maintaining a mowing height of 1-2 inches can help shade out dollarweed, while regular fertilization can promote dense growth and prevent bare spots.
By combining these cultural practices, homeowners can create an environment that is less conducive to dollarweed growth and promotes healthy centipede grass. It is also essential to monitor the lawn regularly and address any new dollarweed growth promptly, either by manually removing the plants or applying targeted herbicides. By taking a proactive approach to lawn care and combining cultural practices with targeted controls, homeowners can effectively control dollarweed and maintain a lush, attractive centipede grass lawn. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to preventing dollarweed from becoming a problem and addressing any issues before they become severe.
Are there any organic or natural methods for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass?
Yes, there are several organic and natural methods for controlling dollarweed in centipede grass lawns. One of the most effective methods is to improve drainage and reduce soil moisture, as dollarweed thrives in wet environments. This can be achieved by installing French drains, adjusting irrigation schedules, or adding organic matter to the soil to improve its structure. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and dense centipede grass lawn through proper mowing, fertilization, and pest management can help prevent dollarweed from taking hold. Manual removal of dollarweed plants can also be an effective method, especially for small infestations.
For larger infestations, organic herbicides such as vinegar-based products or plant-based herbicides can be effective in controlling dollarweed. These products work by killing the existing plants, but they may not provide long-term control, as new seeds can germinate and grow into mature plants. To achieve long-term control, it is often necessary to combine these organic methods with cultural practices, such as improving drainage and maintaining a healthy centipede grass lawn. By taking a holistic approach to lawn care and combining organic methods with cultural practices, homeowners can effectively control dollarweed and maintain a lush, attractive centipede grass lawn without relying on synthetic herbicides.