Cheatgrass problem - Ask Extension
Hi, I have lots of cheatgrass in my back yard, I pull it every spring but it always comes back. Is there something I can plant/establish there (full s...
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Cheatgrass problem #870848
Asked May 30, 2024, 6:56 PM EDT
Hi, I have lots of cheatgrass in my back yard, I pull it every spring but it always comes back. Is there something I can plant/establish there (full sun) that would essentially choke out the cheatgrass and make it harder for it to come back next year? If it is possible to take care of it without the use of herbicides that would be ideal. Thank you for your help!
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Katie:
Don't get me started on cheatgrass! lol. On a personal note, we purchased our property in 2011 and are still having to pull it every year, but no where near the mess it was when we started. You are headed in the right direction with your strategy. Pull it out every year, get the roots too. Luckily, it is usually very easy to pull out. If you can get it out before the seeds drop, that will prevent a larger crop the following year.
There are native grasses and shrubs that would fill the area nicely. If you let the native grasses go to seed, they will fill in over time so the cheatgrass will not take over. There will still be some cheatgrass to come up, but it should be manageable. I'm going to attach a couple of bulletins you may find helpful.
How to Get Rid of Cheatgrass
Selecting Native Plants for Home Landscapes in Central Oregon
If you scroll down the page to table 1, you will see a list of plants divided by type. Not sure what you want to do with this area of your yard, but all these would work well. If you would like to see some of these plants, the Hollinshead Water-wise demo garden, located at 1235 NE Jones Rd might be worth a visit.
Good luck and thank you for your question,
Don't get me started on cheatgrass! lol. On a personal note, we purchased our property in 2011 and are still having to pull it every year, but no where near the mess it was when we started. You are headed in the right direction with your strategy. Pull it out every year, get the roots too. Luckily, it is usually very easy to pull out. If you can get it out before the seeds drop, that will prevent a larger crop the following year.
There are native grasses and shrubs that would fill the area nicely. If you let the native grasses go to seed, they will fill in over time so the cheatgrass will not take over. There will still be some cheatgrass to come up, but it should be manageable. I'm going to attach a couple of bulletins you may find helpful.
How to Get Rid of Cheatgrass
Selecting Native Plants for Home Landscapes in Central Oregon
If you scroll down the page to table 1, you will see a list of plants divided by type. Not sure what you want to do with this area of your yard, but all these would work well. If you would like to see some of these plants, the Hollinshead Water-wise demo garden, located at 1235 NE Jones Rd might be worth a visit.
Good luck and thank you for your question,
