Couch Twitch Grass

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems

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Couch (NI) or Twitch (SI) grass is a common weed in garden lawns, flowerbeds, paths and waste places.

Identify the problem
Couch/Twitch grass looks like just a tuft of any grass, but below ground the roots form a dense network. It spreads quickly by means of thin, wire-like, pointed rhizomes.
From root tips, new shoots are produced in spring and autumn that rapidly produce tufts of leaves and more rhizomes.
How to solve the problem
Lawns
Manual removal is difficult and will leave roots and rhizomes in the ground which will sprout again.
- Spot treat - Wearing rubber gloves paint Weed Weapon Invade Gel onto the crown (growing centre) and as many leaves of the Couch/Twitch as possible. This will kill the grass and its roots.
Flowerbeds
- Spot treat - Wearing rubber gloves paint Weed Weapon Invade Gel onto the crown (growing centre) and as many leaves of the Couch/Twitch as possible. These treatments will kill the grass and its roots without risk to surrounding plants.
- Follow up with Weed Weapon Preventer sprinkled in the flower bed to prevent new weeds emerging.
Paths, Driveways etc.
- Apply Weed Weapon Long Term to kill existing Couch/Twitch to the roots and prevent new growth appearing for an extended period.
Waste Places
- Apply Weed Weapon Extra Strength or Rapid Action for rapid killing of Couch/Twitch to the roots.
Did you know?
- Elytrigia repens is known as Couch grass in New Zealand's North Island and Twitch grass in New Zealand's South Island. It is also known as scutch grass in other parts of the world.
Helpful tips
See advice on control of Coarse Grasses in Lawns.