How to Get Rid of Parramatta Grass in Your Lawn

Recognisable by its fine, tufted leaves and distinctive seed heads that sit atop long, slender stalks, Parramatta Grass is opportunistic in its invasion and will germinate quickly in bare patches of stressed lawns (including canopies that have been thinned out due to shade stress or excess foot traffic) and can easily survive in poor quality soil.

It is commonly found in regions with warm climates, including New South Wales and Queensland, where it infests a variety of grass types such as Buffalo, Couch, Bermuda, Kikuyu, and Zoysia.

Parramatta Grass is particularly active during the warmer months, flourishing in late Spring through Summer, and spreading aggressively through wind-dispersed seeds and underground rhizomes.

Parramatta Grass spreads quickly through the many seeds that stretch along its tall stalks. They can be easily dislodged in the wind or by water, or knocked by foot traffic or pets. Once dislodged, they will germinate quickly and establish a new plant, which makes Parramatta Grass difficult to combat using post-emergent herbicides.

Manual Removal

Manually removing Parramatta Grass outbreaks is an effective and chemical-free control option, however disrupting the plant does increase your chance of spreading seeds.

Using Herbicides

Unfortunately, chemical control of Parramatta Grass will require the use of harsh, non-selective herbicides like Flupropanate or Glyphosate. Unlike selective herbicides which are fine to blanket spray and won’t harm your desirable lawn, non-selective herbicides need to be used very sparingly and in a very directed manner as they’ll kill any plant they come into contact with.

Non-selectives can be used in a spot-spray method which may include some collateral damage. Alternatively, some lawn owners choose to delicately paint the herbicide on to the leaf of the weed to minimise collateral damage, however this method does increase your risk of contact with the herbicide.

When using chemical treatments, always follow manufacturer instructions when it comes to necessary protective equipment and safe re-entry times for humans and animals. Apply on a dry day with minimal wind to prevent drift onto desirable grasses.

Natural Remedies

There are no natural remedies for the effective control or eradication of Parramatta Grass from home lawns.

To prevent Parramatta Grass from returning, applying a high-quality pre-emergent herbicide is a proactive solution. Pre-emergents work by creating a barrier in the soil that inhibits seed germination, effectively stopping weeds before they establish.

A good pre-emergent herbicide, such as those containing Prodiamine (such as Spartan in liquid form, or Onset GR in granular form) or Oxadiazon (like Echelon Duo or Oxafert), offers up to six months of protection against a broad range of invasive weeds.

This long-term approach not only reduces the need for repeated manual or chemical interventions but also contributes to a healthier, more resilient lawn with less pressure from invasive weeds.

Whether you’re looking for a quality pre-emergent to minimise the risk of Parramatta Grass invading your much-loved lawn, or you need a post-emergent herbicide to control a Parramatta Grass outbreak, you’ll find all the supplements and chemicals you need to keep your grass in top shape at the myhomeTURF Online Shop; home to hundreds of market-leading products that ship Australia-wide.