Torpedograss Breaking Through Barriers

Q: I have been fighting a losing battle with torpedograss in my lawn and
flower bed. I put down cloth barrier, plastic barrier, and old carpet. However
the roots of the grass are so aggressive, they go straight through the barrier.

A: Torpedograss has shallow roots (rhizomes) that have a sharp, hard point,
giving it the ability to penetrate most barriers. There are no selective
herbicides that will control it. Instead, apply glyphosate herbicide to the weed,
using a foam paintbrush to avoid contact with your flowers. For larger areas,
as in your lawn, spray once then do a follow-up three weeks later. Both your
lawn grass and the torpedograss will be killed. After that, you can replant your
lawn grass.