If you’ve noticed couch grass growing in your garden and ruining the uniform look of your lawn, you may be wondering if it’s a weed and you should get rid of it.
While yes, this perennial species is technically a weed – Spread aggressively and sometimes compete with other outdoor plants – that can play an important part Ecosystem in your gardenEspecially for butterflies and moths.
To find out if you should remove it and the easiest way to do so, we spoke to two gardening experts who share their advice below.
Should I remove the couch grass?
No, you don’t have to remove the couch grass as part of yours Lawn care In fact, this species regularly supports wildlife in your garden, serving as an important food source for butterflies and moth caterpillars. RHS.
It can also provide shelter for some insects, such as beetles, protecting them from predators and providing a safe hunting ground.
Not only does it help the creatures in your garden, but it grows BiodiversityAnd RHS experts say it is increasingly considered a wildflower. Thanks to its flower seed heads – which appear from June to August – this grass can also look great in a lawn-style space.
While there are many benefits to having couch grass in your garden, it’s worth knowing that it is an invasive and fast-growing plant that can spoil the look of a well-kept lawn and outcompete other plants.
With that in mind, you may choose to remove it or relocate it to another area of the garden. RHS recommends this if it a vegetable gardenNewly planted borders, newly planted lawns and alpine rockeries, and suggest doing this in early spring.
How do I remove couch grass?
If couch grass is causing a problem in your garden, you can Get rid of these weeds naturallyBecause using herbicides will also kill patches of your lawn.
“Couch grass is one of the most persistent weeds in the garden as it spreads through an extensive network of underground stems, known as rhizomes. Simply pulling the top growth is not enough, as any remaining roots can quickly regenerate and produce new plants,” explains Martin Chaplin, Head of Horticulture. Hedges Direct.
“To effectively remove couch grass, it is necessary to dig up as much of the root system as possible, carefully lifting and removing the white rhizomes from the soil. Some gardeners find it helpful to use a garden fork instead of a spade, as this loosens the soil while reducing the chance of cutting the roots into small pieces elsewhere.”
If you’re dealing with a large infestation, he says, you can cover the area with cardboard. Green grassOr a weed-suppressing membrane for several months, which will block light and weaken plants.
Top tip: remove bed grass after a rain as the rhizomes will be easier to pick up, and avoid aggressive digging as this can spread it further.
Tackle the couch grass with these shopping picks
A good-quality hand fork is essential for weeding, and this one from Kent & Stove is made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel.
This weed control membrane does the hard work for you – simply place it over your bed grass. It is water-permeable, UV-stable, and can be covered with a range of materials.
Martin brings over 35 years of experience in the horticultural world, shaped by a lifelong curiosity and deep appreciation for plant diversity. He has worked with high-profile nurseries, growers and specialist breeders, contributed to new plant releases and held senior roles in retail, garden centers and landscape supply.
How do I control couch grass?
If you don’t want to eliminate couch grass altogether (but rather if it hasn’t grown out of control), Martin Chaplin recommends “regular weeding, mulching and maintaining healthy, densely planted borders” to suppress new growth.
“Ground-cover plantings can also be useful, as couch grasses are less likely to spread vigorously where there is strong competition from established plants. Varieties such as hardy geranium, vinca (periwinkle) and ajuga form dense coverage that helps shade the soil and reduce the space available for weeds to establish,” he adds.
As we’ve learned, there are pros and cons to couch grass in your garden, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether to remove or keep it.
If you found this helpful, you can read our guide Lays turf over grass Or learn about different Types of ornamental grasses.
