How to Get Rid of Monkey Grass

Monkey grass, also known as Liriope or Ophiopogon, is a popular ground cover but can become invasive and difficult to control if left unchecked. This hardy plant spreads quickly through underground rhizomes, making it hard to eliminate once established. Whether you’re looking to remove it from flower beds, lawns, or pathways, this guide will help you tackle monkey grass and prevent it from growing back.

Why is Monkey Grass Difficult to Remove?

Monkey grass is notorious for its resilience and ability to spread rapidly. Its dense, clumping growth habit and underground rhizomes make it tough to eradicate without consistent effort.

Rapid Spread Through Rhizomes: Monkey grass spreads via rhizomes—underground stems that produce new plants. These rhizomes can extend several feet from the original plant, creating dense patches over time.
Dense Growth: Once established, monkey grass can form thick, impenetrable mats that crowd out other plants and are difficult to dig through.
Invasive Potential: While it’s often used as a decorative ground cover, monkey grass can become invasive, especially if not contained. It can spread into lawns, flower beds, and even disrupt the growth of other plants.

Identifying Monkey Grass in Your Yard

Before removing monkey grass, it’s important to properly identify it. Monkey grass generally falls into two categories:

Varieties of Monkey Grass:
- Liriope (Liriope muscari): Known for its grass-like clumps and purple or white flowers, Liriope is commonly planted as a ground cover or border plant.
- Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus): Also known as Mondo grass, this species has finer, darker green leaves and smaller, less conspicuous flowers.
Characteristics of Leaves and Flowers: Monkey grass typically has long, narrow, grass-like leaves that grow in clumps. It produces small, spiky flowers in late summer, followed by small berries in fall.

When is the Best Time to Remove Monkey Grass?

Timing your removal efforts correctly can increase the chances of success when getting rid of monkey grass.

Ideal Seasons for Removal: Fall and early spring are the best times to remove monkey grass because the soil is moist, making it easier to dig up the roots. These seasons also ensure you disrupt the plant before or after its peak growing periods.
Timing for Effective Results: If you plan to use herbicides, applying them in late summer or fall—when the plant is actively storing energy in its roots—can be more effective.

Manual Methods for Removing Monkey Grass

Manual removal is one of the most effective ways to get rid of monkey grass, but it requires persistence and thoroughness.

Digging Up Plants and Rhizomes: Use a garden fork or spade to dig up monkey grass clumps, ensuring you dig deep enough to remove the entire rhizome system. Rhizomes left behind can regenerate, so thoroughness is key.
Tools Needed for Effective Removal: A sharp spade, garden fork, and gloves are essential. A sharp hoe can also be helpful for cutting through dense patches of monkey grass.
How to Prevent Regrowth from Missed Rhizomes: After digging up the plants, sift through the soil to remove any remaining pieces of rhizomes. Even small fragments can regrow, so it’s important to be as thorough as possible.

Smothering Monkey Grass

Smothering is another option for controlling monkey grass, especially in larger areas where manual removal is impractical.

Using Mulch, Black Plastic, or Landscape Fabric: Covering monkey grass with black plastic or heavy landscape fabric can block sunlight and prevent the plant from photosynthesizing. Use thick mulch on top of the plastic to weigh it down.
Steps for Successful Smothering: First, cut the monkey grass as close to the ground as possible. Then, cover the area with the black plastic or fabric, ensuring the edges are tightly sealed to prevent light from reaching the plant.
Time Required for the Method to Work: Leave the plastic or fabric in place for at least one growing season (6-12 months). The lack of sunlight will starve the plant and weaken the rhizomes over time.

Chemical Methods for Removing Monkey Grass

For persistent infestations, herbicides may be the most effective solution, especially when other methods fail.

Best Herbicides for Monkey Grass: Glyphosate-based herbicides are commonly used to kill monkey grass. These are systemic herbicides that are absorbed by the plant and travel down to the roots, killing the rhizomes.
How to Apply Herbicides Safely: Apply herbicides on a dry, calm day to prevent drift onto desirable plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and wear protective gear, including gloves and a mask.
Protecting Nearby Plants from Chemical Exposure: Use a shield or cardboard barrier to protect nearby plants from overspray. Herbicide can damage or kill other plants, so precise application is important.

Natural and Organic Alternatives to Herbicides

If you prefer to avoid chemical herbicides, there are natural methods you can try, though they may require more persistence.

Using Vinegar and Salt Mixtures: A solution of vinegar, salt, and dish soap can be sprayed directly onto the monkey grass leaves. The vinegar dries out the plant, while the salt disrupts its ability to absorb water.
Boiling Water Treatment: Pouring boiling water over the monkey grass can kill the above-ground parts of the plant. Repeated treatments may be necessary to weaken the rhizomes.
Effectiveness of Natural Methods: Organic methods may not kill the rhizomes entirely, so they work best on small patches of monkey grass or as part of a combined approach.

Preventing Monkey Grass from Growing Back

Even after removing monkey grass, it’s important to take steps to prevent regrowth.

Regular Garden Maintenance: Inspect the area regularly for any signs of regrowth and remove any new shoots as soon as they appear. Staying on top of maintenance will prevent the plant from re-establishing.
Using Edging Barriers: Install edging barriers at least 6-8 inches deep around flower beds or lawns to contain any remaining rhizomes and prevent the plant from spreading into other areas.
Planting Ground Cover to Outcompete Monkey Grass: After removing monkey grass, consider planting aggressive ground cover or grass to outcompete any remaining roots and fill the space where monkey grass might try to regrow.

Dealing with Large Patches of Monkey Grass

Large patches of monkey grass can be challenging to remove, but using a combination of methods can help.

Strategies for Large-Scale Removal: Start by manually removing as much as possible, then use herbicides or smothering techniques to target any remaining plants. For very large areas, consider breaking the project into sections to make it more manageable.
Combining Manual, Chemical, and Smothering Techniques for Best Results: For persistent infestations, use a multi-pronged approach: dig up the plants, treat the area with herbicide or organic solutions, and smother any remaining roots with mulch or plastic.

Disposing of Monkey Grass Safely

Proper disposal of monkey grass is crucial to ensure it doesn’t regrow or spread to other areas.

Why You Shouldn’t Compost Monkey Grass: Avoid composting monkey grass, as the rhizomes can survive the composting process and re-establish themselves when you use the compost.
Proper Disposal of Plant Material and Rhizomes: Bag the plant material and rhizomes and dispose of them in the trash. This prevents any fragments from regrowing or spreading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Monkey Grass

Getting rid of monkey grass can be tricky, and certain mistakes can make the process more difficult.

Not Removing the Entire Root System: Monkey grass can regrow from even small pieces of rhizomes, so it’s crucial to remove as much of the root system as possible during manual removal.
Over-Reliance on One Method: Relying solely on digging, chemicals, or smothering may not be enough. Combining methods increases the chances of success.
Incorrect Herbicide Use: Using the wrong type of herbicide or applying it incorrectly can lead to poor results. Always use a systemic herbicide that targets the roots and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Monkey Grass

Can I remove monkey grass without chemicals? Yes, you can manually dig up monkey grass or smother it using plastic or mulch. Organic methods like vinegar or boiling water can also help, though they may take longer to be effective.
How long does it take to kill monkey grass? Depending on the method, it can take anywhere from several weeks (with herbicides) to an entire growing season (with smothering or manual removal) to fully eliminate monkey grass.
What can I plant in place of monkey grass? After removing monkey grass, consider planting non-invasive ground covers like creeping thyme, vinca, or ajuga. These plants can fill in the space and help prevent weeds from taking over.

Conclusion

Removing monkey grass requires persistence and a strategic approach. Whether you opt for manual digging, chemical treatments, or organic solutions, the key is to target the plant’s rhizomes to prevent regrowth. By combining methods and maintaining regular garden care, you can successfully rid your yard of monkey grass and enjoy a healthier, more manageable landscape.

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