What Is Johnsongrass and How Do I Control It?

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WHAT IS JOHNSONGRASS?

Johnsongrass is a burly bully that can reach eight feet tall and produce thousands of seeds per year. It’s particularly adept at taking over landscapes. Here are a few tips for getting rid of this big meanie.

HOW TO PREVENT JOHNSONGRASS

To keep johnsongrass from wreaking havoc in your landscape, apply Roundup® Landscape Weed Preventer in the spring. It forms a weed barrier to prevent johnsongrass weed seeds—not to mention other listed grass and broadleaf weed seeds—from sprouting and growing for up to 6 months. When used as directed, it won't harm the plants you actually want to keep.

HOW TO KILL JOHNSONGRASS

Before the weed produces a seed head in July, apply Roundup®Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III. It works wonders on johnsongrass because it gets down to the root. As always, remember not to spray it on the plants you like, as Roundup® Weed & Grass Killer products work on any plants they come in contact with.

AVOID HAND PULLING

As with many weeds, pulling out johnsongrass by hand can break the roots. And those obnoxious roots will simply grow back.

HISTORICALLY HAZARDOUS

In 1830, johnsongrass was introduced to the United States as a forage crop. Nowadays, you'll find it in many parts of the world, crowding out desirable plants, destroying food and shelter for wildlife, and causing trouble for farmers and ranchers.