Torpedograss, also known as Panicum repens, is classified as a Category I invasive weed by the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) and is extremely hard to get rid of once it has established itself in your Palm Beach County lawn and landscaping beds. The designation means that the weed alters native plant communities through its impact to the environment. This noxious weed is one of the most invasive grassy weeds and is also referred to as coastal bermuda grass, bullet grass, couch panicum, dogtooth grass, quack grass, wainaku grass and other names. Torpedograss loves wet soil and thrives around lake shores and other wetland areas.
Torpedograss is sometimes mistaken for a similar-looking grass called maidencane, which is native to Florida and therefore not considered an invasive species. Maidencane is a common grass in Palm Beach County wetlands that also thrives in wet soils.
Post-Emergent Herbicides are the Most Common Method of Torpedograss Control
Getting rid of torpedograss can be a daunting task. Hand pulling and hoeing tend to leave unseen or fragments of the rhizomes which will quickly regrow. In large infestation these methods are also time consuming and in many cases impractical. Post-emergent herbicides are the most common method of torpedograss control, but unfortunately these products also will harm St. Augustine sod grasses. There are effective a selective post-emergent herbicides that work on torpedograss in lawns with zoysia and Bermuda sod grasses, but there really is no truly effective chemical control for torpedograss in St. Augustine sod grass that doesn’t also harm the turf.
Roundup® is a herbicide product that will kill just about everything green, so be careful when using this product as it will damage your lawn and ornamental landscaping plants as well.
Torpedograss, like other weeds, competes with your lawn’s sod grass for nutrients and irrigation. So once again the healthier and thicker your lawn is, the harder it is for torpedograss to thrive in the first place. Professional lawn treatment that includes fertilization service and pest control combined with weed control is the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn in Palm Beach County.
Why not leave your torpedograss weed problems to the professionals. Our locally owned and operated company can keep your lawn looking great with complete professional lawn treatment that includes weed control service. We have been treating West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and Jupiter, Florida residential and commercial lawns for decades and have the experience to get the job done right.
We offer natural, environmentally friendly and pet friendly lawn weed control products as an option to our clients. Our experienced technicians can discuss your concerns and the options available to you.
