How to Kill Wire Grass

Wire grass (also known as pineland threeawn) is a grass variety found throughout the southeastern United States of Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina. Because wire grass grows rapidly, it is considered a less desirable landscaping choice than lower maintenance grass types. Fortunately, eliminating wire grass from your lawn or garden is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few short weeks without the need for expensive materials or tools. Even the most inexperienced gardener can kill wire grass without any difficulty.

Kill Wire Grass In Flowerbeds

Pull small areas of wire grass from each flowerbed by hand, or dig them up using a hand trowel. Spade or till larger clumps of wire grass. Leave turned soil exposed to sunlight, which will dry remaining roots. Wait for a windless day when the air temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Put on waterproof gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes. Place cardboard or plastic sheets between the wire grass and desirable plants in the flowerbeds. The sheets will protect the desired plants from the herbicide. Apply a systemic, post-emergent herbicide containing glyphosate to the wire grass in the flowerbeds, coating the wire grass' leaves thoroughly with the herbicide. Follow all directions on the herbicide package's label.