Goosegrass: identify it, treat it, keep it out
Goosegrass is a summer annual that germinates two to three weeks after crabgrass and thrives where lawns are compacted, along paths, play areas, and driveway edges. Its flattened, silvery-white center makes it easy to confirm. Long-term control is as much about relieving compaction as it is about herbicide.
How to identify goosegrass
- Flattened rosette with a distinctly silver-white center, like a wagon wheel pressed into the lawn
- Dark green, folded blades radiating from that pale center
- Zipper-like seed spikes in fingers at the stem tips in late summer
- Concentrated in compacted, high-traffic, poorly drained spots
Don't confuse it: Crabgrass sprawls similarly but lacks the silver center and prefers looser soil; goosegrass tolerates compaction crabgrass cannot.
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When to treat
Prevention (pre-emergent)
Apply before germination, when soil reaches about 60°F.
Window: Late spring to early summer
Typical dates: Before soil reaches 60°F (germinates 2-3 weeks after crabgrass)
Treatment (post-emergent)
Best time: Early summer
Target stage: Young plants (2-3 inches)
Conditions: Apply when weeds are dry · No rain for 24 hours · Temps below 85°F
Germination starts around 60°F soil temperature (optimal 80°F). Track your ZIP's live soil temperature or get an exact plan from the herbicide timing calculator.
Control plan
- 1Apply pre-emergent before soil reaches 65°F
- 2Use products specifically labeled for goosegrass
- 3Improve soil aeration and reduce compaction
- 4May require multiple applications for complete control
Good to know
- • Very tough, low-growing annual grass
- • Resistant to many herbicides
- • Prefers compacted, high-traffic areas
- • Requires specific herbicide products
Products that work on goosegrass
These picks are not filtered to your lawn. Some herbicides damage certain grasses (atrazine is for warm-season lawns; Trimec harms St. Augustine). Verify your grass type on the product label before applying, or use the herbicide timing calculator for grass-filtered recommendations. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
pre-emergent
Prodiamine 65 WDG (Generic Barricade)
Prodiamine · Late winter to early spring, before soil reaches 55°F
Safe for: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and more
Prodiamine 65 WDG (Generic Barricade) on Amazonpre-emergent
Dimension 2EW
Dithiopyr · Late winter to early spring, before soil reaches 55°F
Safe for: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and more
Dimension 2EW on Amazonpre-emergent
Barricade 4FL
Prodiamine · Late winter to early spring
Safe for: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and more
Barricade 4FL on Amazonpost-emergent
Torocity Mesotrione (Generic Tenacity)
Mesotrione · Spring or summer when weeds are young
Safe for: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and more
Torocity Mesotrione (Generic Tenacity) on AmazonWhere it's most common
Frequently asked questions
Why does goosegrass survive my crabgrass preventer?
It germinates later, often after early pre-emergent has begun to thin, and it is naturally less sensitive to some actives. Use a split pre-emergent application (second dose 6 to 8 weeks after the first) where goosegrass is a known problem.
What actually fixes goosegrass long term?
Core aeration. Goosegrass is a compaction indicator, and while herbicide removes this year’s plants, the space stays winnable for goosegrass until the soil is opened up and grass can root densely again.
What kills existing goosegrass?
It is tougher than crabgrass. Young plants can be spot-treated, but mature rosettes usually need targeted products or simple removal with a knife (the shallow root system pops out cleanly), followed by seed or plugs in the gap.
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