Here’s how to get rid of cheatgrass in its different stages. Know which one is the most effective and some helpful tips to execute each method!
How To Get Rid Of Cheatgrass? | Pad Outdoor
Cheatgrass is an
annual grass that is very common in Eurasia but also grows in certain states in
the United States, such as in Nevada.
Looking at it for
once will make you think it’s a rice plant. They have the same length, thin
stem, elongated and pointy leaves. Cheatgrass also turns golden brown during
the summer.
If you have been having a problem dealing with this grass, then you will most likely be interested in how to get rid of cheatgrass.
There are most
commonly followed method on how to get rid of cheatgrass, namely: hand-pulling,
mulching, or soil solarization.
Deciding on which
method is the most effective depends on how big the patch is. You also have to
consider whether the grass has just developed or is already in full growth.
1. Hand-Pulling
This
is the manual method and very easy and quick to do. No special equipment is
needed but some reminders have to be noted.
First,
getting rid of cheatgrass by hand is only recommended if the cheatgrass has not
developed any seed yet. Why? This is because hand-pulling the grass creates too
much movement, allowing the seeds to spread in the vicinity.
So,
expect a fresh batch of cheatgrass will grow in the area after a few weeks.
No,
that isn’t smart, is it?
Second,
you have to be patient when doing hand-pulling. Obviously, it takes too much
time and effort as compared to other methods, but this is also the most
effective method if you are trying to minimize negative impacts on the other
plant species.
We
would say this is not the best method for large patches and for homeowners who
are already seniors. This needs on-going attention too, so patience plays a big
part in this method.
2. Mulching
Mulching
has been a popular gardening technique followed by many. However, it is mainly
known for retaining moisture in the soil and for preventing erosion.
What
is not so known to a lot of people is that mulching is also a very effective
way of reducing cheatgrass.
To
push through with this method, you need some mulching materials, of course.
Some of the popular ones are cardboard, newspaper, and wood chips.
Who
should do mulching, by the way? Well if you want to know how to get rid of
cheatgrass after a single season, then this is the best way to do so. Mulching
is very effective in a sense that it deprives weeds of light and warmth by
keeping the soil cool.
The
reason why it is ideal as an after season cleaning like after harvest is that
mulching also eliminates the other plants in the area.
Make
sure to keep the mulch about 2 inches deep though as too thin is ineffective
while too think deprives the soil of enough air.
3. Soil Solarization
Lastly,
soil solarization is the third and final method on this list. Soil solarization
needs plastic sheeting and water as the main materials needed.
Who
should follow this method? If you are really keen on how to get rid of
cheatgrass completely– like for good, then we believe this is the best
solution.
Soil
solarizations can completely eradicate and kill cheatgrass in all of its parts,
from seeds, roots, and the visible plant body.
BUT,
this is sort of impractical if you apply this on a large patch because you need
much more plastic sheeting, which costs a little more than the mulching.
We
suggest you follow this method though if you only target a small rock bed or an
area in your yard that you intend to make a vegetative garden.
Why Do People Want To Kill Cheatgrass?
There are varied
reasons actually but the top 2 are because of it being an eyesore in your yard
and the other is that it being one of the major causes of range fires. During
summer cheatgrass dries out ever so quickly and when the temperature continues
to rise up, fire is a great possibility.
In fact, Nevada experts have been making the effort of educating farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to be warry of the damage cheatgrass can cause when left unattended.
