Question From: k. ciszewski - MICHIGAN
Q: We have invasive, aggressive grass growing in a flowerbed planted with pachysandra ground cover. Pulling the grass out by hand does not work. Is there any way to kill the grass w/out killing the surrounding ground cover? If we must start all over, can you recommend another ground cover that will be more effective keeping grass and weeds away?
A: A lot depends on what species of grassy weeds you are dealing with. If you have annual grassy weeds, like crabgrass and foxtail, you can probably get excellent control using a pre-emergent herbicide. Preen Garden Weed Preventer controls a wide variety of annual weeds, and lists numerous groundcovers, ornamentals, and garden plants that it can be used safely around. This product needs to be applied before the weed germinates, If you are dealing with perennial grassy weeds, such as tall fescue then you need to choose a selective herbicide that kills grasses only. One product you should be able to find is fluazifop-butyl Grass-B-Gon. At our display garden at the senior citizens garden in Rochester we have used sedum with good success. The Preen will help keep perennial grass from reseeding. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
