HOW TO REMOVE PASPALUM FROM YOUR LAWN

Keep Your Lawn Healthy by Removing Paspalum

A healthy lawn sets the stage for a beautiful garden, so keeping it free from weeds is essential for maintaining the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare your yard for this year’s blooms, and tackling paspalum is a great place to start.

What is Paspalum?

Paspalum is a tufted perennial weed that can live for at least two years, making it necessary to keep it under control for the long-term health of your lawn. If left unchecked, this invasive species can quickly spread, causing problems not only in your garden but in neighboring lawns as well.

Identifying Paspalum

Paspalum can be tricky to spot at first glance, as it blends in with grass. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice its wider, coarser leaves. The weed is easier to identify when it flowers, as it produces long seed heads with finger-like spikes.

How Paspalum Spreads

Paspalum spreads quickly due to its seed heads, which produce sticky seeds that cling to various surfaces like gardening tools, shoes, or even your pets. Once these seeds fall off in a new location, they can sprout into a new plant in no time.

Why Paspalum is a Problem

Not only does paspalum spread rapidly and take over lawns, but it also poses a more serious risk. In some regions and seasons, paspalum can become infected with moulds that produce harmful mycotoxins. These toxins can be dangerous when ingested by pets or animals, making it even more important to manage paspalum effectively.

Removing Paspalum

Preventing weeds is always easier than removing them, but if paspalum has already established itself, there are several methods to help you tackle it.

Timing

Paspalum has active and dormant growth stages. During spring and summer, when the weed flowers, it’s most visible and easiest to remove. If you see what looks like a dead paspalum plant in winter, it’s likely dormant with roots ready to grow again as the weather warms. While tackling paspalum in spring is ideal, you can also work on killing weeds in winter and prepare your lawn for a healthier growing season.

Hand Removal

A basic yet effective method is physically pulling out paspalum by hand or using a weeding tool. Established paspalum plants often have thick roots, so it may take some effort to pull them out completely. It’s important to ensure you remove the entire plant, including its roots, as any leftover roots can sprout new shoots.

Herbicide

If hand removal isn’t enough, using a selective herbicide can be an effective solution. Choose a herbicide designed specifically for paspalum to target the weed without damaging the rest of your lawn. Be consistent, as it may take multiple applications for the herbicide to fully work.

Mulching

After removing or killing paspalum in flowerbeds, apply a layer of mulch to protect against regrowth from undetected seeds. Use 5–8 centimeters of mulch in the area to block sunlight and prevent germination.

Trust Lawn Rite for Expert Lawn Care

At Lawn Rite, we’re the experts in professional lawn care and weed management. Whether you need help controlling paspalum or other invasive weeds, or assistance with any other lawn or garden care, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with Lawn Rite today to discuss how we can help you achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn.