How to Kill Mondo Grass
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is colloquially known as "monkey grass." It is an evergreen perennial that grows to heights of 8 to 16 inches. Mondo grass is hardy and spreads quickly, which makes it an excellent choice for a ground cover. This is especially true in areas where other plants fail to thrive, such as shady spots under tall trees. Gardeners who introduce this ornamental grass into their yards appreciate the ease of propagation, which requires little more than dividing larger plant clumps. Therein also lays the problem when trying to kill it--it is supremely hardy.
Mow the monkey grass on the shortest setting. Repeat this step whenever new growth appears. Scalp the plants frequently and discourage the formation of stolons.
- Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is colloquially known as "monkey grass."
- Gardeners who introduce this ornamental grass into their yards appreciate the ease of propagation, which requires little more than dividing larger plant clumps.
Dig down 12 to 18 inches deep with your spade around the area perimeter. Install a root barrier around the outer limits of the area containing Mondo grass.
Dig up clumps of Mondo grass with the spade. Separate as many of the plants’ rhizomes, stolons and roots as possible. Carefully rake up all of these pieces and discard.
Cover the treated area with the tarp. Weigh down the tarp with rocks. Keep the tarp in place for a few months.
- Dig down 12 to 18 inches deep with your spade around the area perimeter.
- Install a root barrier around the outer limits of the area containing Mondo grass.
Remove the tarp and dig up any dead plants with the spade. Dig about 12 inches down to unearth dormant rhizomes. Discard all plant pieces.
Tip
Although it may appear as though the installation of a root barrier is superfluous, consider that Mondo grass is known to send out stolons that reach far away from the mother plant. While you are removing the grass from one area, it may simply grow up in a different area of the yard, unless you curtail it.
Warning
Avoid commercially available spray-on herbicides. The surfaces of the grass blades are waxy and the spray runs off into the ground.
Killing Mondo grass is a lengthy process that leaves the treated area look somewhat unsightly. It is possible to forgo the use of the tarp, but this lessens the likelihood of killing the plants off in one season. The gardener is likely to have to perform repeat treatments of the area over the next few years. This is because of the rhizomes that remain dormant in the soil.
Related Articles
References
Resources
Tips
- Although it may appear as though the installation of a root barrier is superfluous, consider that Mondo grass is known to send out stolons that reach far away from the mother plant. While you are removing the grass from one area, it may simply grow up in a different area of the yard, unless you curtail it.
Warnings
- Avoid commercially available spray-on herbicides. The surfaces of the grass blades are waxy and the spray runs off into the ground.
- Killing Mondo grass is a lengthy process that leaves the treated area look somewhat unsightly. It is possible to forgo the use of the tarp, but this lessens the likelihood of killing the plants off in one season. The gardener is likely to have to perform repeat treatments of the area over the next few years. This is because of the rhizomes that remain dormant in the soil.
Writer Bio
Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.
