What is Nimblewill Plant?
While this weed is often confused with Bermuda grass, there are distinct features of this plant that set it apart from this and other grass species. One is its mat-forming spreading habit. Nimblewill spreads by stolons that run along the surface of the soil, whereas many other grasses, like Bermuda, spread via rhizomes. It can also spread by seed if allowed to flower in late summer. Nimblewill is much shorter and wiry looking with narrow blue-green leaves as well. Nimblewill favors moist, shady areas but will also tolerate some sun. Since it doesn’t tolerate cold conditions and goes dormant from fall throughout late spring, nimblewill is rather easy to spot in cool-season grasses during this time—appearing as brown, fuzzy patches throughout the lawn.
Nimblewill Control
Nimblewill is difficult to get rid of, so any nimblewill treatment will likely focus more on soil or lawn improvement than anything else. Reseeding the area following treatment may also be necessary. While there were previously no selective nimblewill herbicides available, the weed can now be controlled or eradicated with an herbicide called Tenacity by Syngenta. This selective herbicide was recently approved for use on most cool-season lawns and can be used pre- or post-emergence. Read and follow label directions carefully prior to use. One note to keep in mind is that affected plants may turn white once Tenacity is applied, as it is a bleaching herbicide, but this should subside after a few weeks. If there are other weeds to contend with as well, you can choose a non-selective herbicide with glyphosate for spot treatments as a last resort. It’s probably a good idea to treat nimblewill areas before dealing with other issues that may be causing its growth. Late summer, prior to its flowering and seeding, is a good time to start nimblewill control, as you can treat the area and make any necessary adjustments to the soil prior to reseeding in fall. Once herbicide has been applied, you’ll want to focus on other issues like soil drainage, aeration, pH levels, and possible shade reduction since the weed grass thrives in shade and moisture. Have the soil tested and make necessary adjustments, such as loosening and amending the soil and adding lime, to improve its overall health. Remove any branches or overgrowth that may be shading the area as well. Fill in low spots or depressions that may be present. After the area has been treated and all issues addressed, it can be sown or reseeded with new grass. With proper lawn maintenance and care, your headaches should become a thing of the past. Note: Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and much more environmentally friendly.
