Not many homeowners know how to get rid of chamberbitter since it’s a difficult weed to control. There are several approaches to eliminating this weed, including hand-pulling, mulching, using pre-emergent herbicides, and applying post-emergent herbicides.
This broadleaf weed would not have gained the moniker of gripeweed for nothing. With a name like this, you know it’s a really tough weed to battle. Since it’s a persistent weed, controlling it requires a combination of methods covering every aspect of its life cycle – from germination to maturity.
How to eliminate chamberbitter from your yard
Some people, including me, actually find chamberbitter or gripeweed visually appealing despite its tenacity. In fact, I would have kept a row of this weed in my front yard if it weren’t for my neighbors. I found out that they secretly threw baking soda and other plant poison on my lawn because they feared for their own lawn’s safety. So, I had no choice but to eliminate the weed.
According to Lee Rouse, a horticulture agent at Louisiana State University AgCenter, the presence of indicator weeds, such as chamberbitter, may indicate that another problem is occurring. He added that a bad infestation of this weed can be a sign that a lawn is unhealthy.
Regardless of your reason for eliminating it, below are several ways to get rid of chamberbitter. Remember, it’s best to integrate all the options for optimal results.
Option 1: Hand-pull to eliminate chamberbitter from the roots
Experts consider physically removing a weed by hand as mechanical weed control. After identifying a gripeweed infestation in your lawn, look for the young and small weeds and start pulling them by hand, which should not be difficult.
However, it can be a challenge if the gripeweed has already reached maturity. That’s because they would have grown their taproot already. This can make it hard to hand-pull since they tend to break at the base. If you don’t get the entire plant (including the roots), chamberbitter can grow back in just a few days.
Option 2: Mulch to halt chamberbitter germination
It’s always best to stay ahead of your opponent, which is why this cultural control method should be a vital piece of your strategy. The goal is to prevent the seeds from germinating in the first place.
Gripeweed germinates in warm weather and requires a lot of sunlight. As such, mulching is another method that can help prevent chamberbitter from overwhelming your yard. Spreading up to 4 inches of mulch can help in reducing seed germination. If this weed has already sprouted, it’s best to hand-pull it before mulching.
Option 3: Use pre-emergent herbicides to stop chamberbitter development
Chamberbitter is an annual weed that thrives in the warm season. Knowing the time of their emergence gives you a solid advantage in this fight because it helps you time your herbicide application effectively.
The goal is to apply pre-emergent herbicides before the weed seeds germinate, which is why timing is crucial. For St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass, use atrazine to combat gripeweed. Here’s a list of the recommended pre-emergent herbicides for the most common grass types and the best time to apply them for controlling chamberbitter:
Grass type | Best pre-emergent herbicide to use | When to apply |
Bahiagrass | Prodiamine (Barricade) | Early spring |
Bermudagrass | Pendimethalin (Pendulum) | Early spring |
Buffalograss | Dithiopyr (Dimension) | Early spring |
Centipedegrass | Atrazine | Late winter |
Kentucky bluegrass | Prodiamine (Barricade) | Early spring |
Perennial ryegrass | Dithiopyr (Dimension) | Early spring |
St. Augustinegrass | Atrazine | Late winter |
Tall fescue | Pendimethalin (Pendulum) | Early spring |
Zoysiagrass | Prodiamine (Barricade) | Early spring |
Note: Whatever brand or type of herbicide you’re using, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions specified on the product label. When in doubt, you can always call a lawn care pro for help.
Option 4: Apply post-emergent herbicides to combat chamberbitter saplings
As the name suggests, use post-emergent herbicides when young weeds have already sprouted on your lawn. Here’s a list of the best post-emergent herbicides to use on some of the most common grass types:
Grass type | Best post-emergent herbicide to use | When to apply |
Bahiagrass | Atrazine | Spring or fall |
Bermudagrass | Herbicides containing mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and 2,4-D | When weeds are still young and actively growing |
Buffalograss | Quinclorac | Summer |
Centipedegrass | Atrazine | Spring or fall |
Kentucky bluegrass | Triclopyr | Spring or fall |
Perennial ryegrass | Herbicides containing mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and 2,4-D | When weeds are still young and actively growing |
St. Augustinegrass | Atrazine | Spring or fall |
Tall fescue | Herbicides containing mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and 2,4-D | When weeds are still young and actively growing |
Zoysiagrass | Herbicides containing mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and 2,4-D | When weeds are still young and actively growing |
Note that the information in this table only serves as a general guide. The instructions on the herbicide should always take precedence. And, always remember to store the herbicides in a safe place – out of reach of children and pets.
How to prevent chamberbitter from invading your lawn
If you don’t want the hassle of having to get rid of this weed, you must prevent it from invading your lawn in the first place. And, when it comes to preventing gripeweed (or any of the most common weeds), proper lawn care remains the best method.
Maintaining the health of your lawn can help prevent the infestation of weeds. As part of a good lawn care approach, here are some tasks to include in your routine maintenance:
- Correct application of fertilizer as recommended by your soil test
- Regular mowing and not cutting grass too short
- Proper watering of your lawn to address any moisture issues
- Disease control and pest prevention
FAQ about getting rid of chamberbitter
What is the life cycle of chamberbitter?
Considered a summer annual that germinates seeds in early summer, chamberbitter has a rapid life cycle. It grows to full maturity in summer, producing small flowers that disperse seeds over short distances. After the first frost, the weed dies completely, along with its roots.
Does rain affect the effectiveness of herbicides?
Yes, rainwater has an impact on an herbicide’s effectiveness because it can be washed away from the area being treated. As such, it’s important to avoid spraying it on weeds while it’s raining or right before it rains. You want the herbicide to become rainfast or get absorbed by the weeds in order to kill them off.
To avoid wasting your time, effort, and money, check the weather forecast and schedule your application to accommodate your herbicide’s rainfast time. Most herbicides require a rainfast or rain-free period of around eight hours, but check the packaging label of your herbicide, as it can vary depending on the product.
Is chamberbitter toxic to humans?
Chamberbitter is not only harmful to the lawn but to humans as well when ingested. When eaten some of the symptoms include nausea, vomiting, swelling of the throat and lips. It’s critical to get the person treated immediately, especially if there’s difficulty breathing.
Get rid of chamberbitter more efficiently
While you can certainly try to mitigate the problem yourself, chamberbitter has high resistance to herbicides and is very tenacious. If you don’t use an effective method, this weed can quickly spread and overwhelm your turf. The best solution is to get help from a local lawn care pro so you can have a weed-free and beautiful lawn.
- Main Photo Credit: Melanie Joseph | Lawn Love