How2Day: What Type of Weed Grass Grows in New Jersey?

Weeds are a common occurrence wherever grass is grown, and turf in New Jersey is prone to infestation from a wide variety of weed grasses. According to the Rutgers University Extension site, the best way to prevent the growth of weeds is to make sure that lawns are healthy and growing vigorously. Thick lawns discourage the germination of weed seeds, reducing chances of weeds. Also, use the grass seeds well adapted to local growing conditions. A variety of weed grasses are common in New Jersey turf.

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is listed as a common grass weed in New Jersey lawns by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Goosegrass is most prevalent in poor, compacted soils. It is an annual plant that you can commonly find on the sides of walking paths and on the tee areas of golf courses. Goosegrass has distinct, white-based stems that are visible in the central area of the weed if viewed from the top. The weed has a prostrate growth habit and is difficult to control. The skeleton of the weed continues to remain intact in the lawn through winter, even when the plant dies in fall.

Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is cited as a serious grass weed in New Jersey by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The weed is common throughout the state and even thrives in the northern lawns of Warren County. Johnson grass has a vigorous growth habit, with aggressive rhizomes that can spread through entire fields fairly rapidly without adequate control. A large sized weed pest, Johnson grass can grow up to 10 feet. The grass has large seed heads that resemble those of Sudan grass.

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station cites Mary's grass (Microstegium vimineum) as a rapidly spreading grass weed in New Jersey. The grass is also referred to as "stilt grass," for the stilt-like formation at culm bases. The grass weed was not very widespread during the 1980s, but it is now found in dense populations throughout the state, thriving in shady and moist locations. Mary's grass is highly invasive and can spread very rapidly without adequate, timely control. The invasive properties of the grass are compared with those of purple loosestrife and garlic mustard.

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