quack grass in a bee lawn

Thank you for writing.
Quackgrass is possible but can look very similar to other grasses.
https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/quackgrass

https://naturescapelawncare.com/us/lawntips/weedyperennials/

https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=621004

I need a good high resolution photo of the grass and of clumps of the grass.

Aside from that you could take a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic, see my signature.

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions. The University' garden soil tests are excellent. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 12, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT

Hello, Mr. Miles.

Here are two photos from today. I hope they're good enough for your purposes.

Thank you for your help. I'm pretty sure this is just going to be an ongoing management issue. Pulling quack grass is better than pulling thistles.

Don J. Dinndorf

Melrose

From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2026 11:00 PM
To: dvdinndorf
Subject: Re: quack grass in a bee lawn (#0205082)

The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT

Thank you for the excellent photos.
Quackgrass is hard to dig out because the rhizomes are hairy and even the slightest remnant can grow a new plant.
Tedious as it is, and as much as I dislike herbicides, you could apply glypohosate at per label instructions but paint it on the leaves with a 1/4 inch paint brush. Paint going backwards so that you do not get it on your pants' knees and drag it over good grass. https://extension.umn.edu/weeds/quackgrass

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions. The University' garden soil tests are excellent. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 12, 2026, 5:23 PM EDT

Thank you for your help.

One last question: Do I have to be concerned the quackgrass will "take-over" the lawn?

Thanks again.

Don Dinndorf

From: ask=<personal data hidden> on behalf of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2026 4:23 PM
To: dvdinndorf
Subject: Re: quack grass in a bee lawn (#0205082)

The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

Thanks for writing back,
Quackgrass is very efficient at spreading via its underground roots (rhizomes) which spread horizontally 10-12 feet. Sorry.

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions. The University' garden soil tests are excellent. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 13, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT

quack grass in a bee lawn #935167

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