How to Kill KR Bluestem Grass with Katana Herbicide
If you've noticed coarse, fast-growing clumps of grass shooting above your Bermuda lawn just days after mowing, there's a good chance you're dealing with King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem). This invasive warm-season grass has become one of the most frustrating lawn weeds across Texas and Oklahoma because it spreads aggressively, crowds out desirable turf, and can be difficult to eliminate once established.
Fortunately, homeowners and lawn care professionals now have a selective option for controlling KR Bluestem in many warm-season lawns: Katana® Turf Herbicide.
What Is KR Bluestem?
King Ranch Bluestem is a perennial bunch grass originally introduced for erosion control and grazing. Over time, it has spread aggressively throughout roadsides, pastures, and residential lawns.
Common signs include:
- Tall seed heads that appear shortly after mowing
- Blue-green or gray-green leaves
- Coarse, clumping growth that stands above surrounding turf
- Rapid spreading through both seed production and established crowns
Unlike annual grassy weeds, KR Bluestem returns year after year from its root system, making it much harder to control with traditional weed killers.
Why Is KR Bluestem So Difficult to Remove?
Many common post-emergent herbicides simply don't provide adequate control because KR Bluestem is a well-established perennial grass. Pulling individual clumps may work for isolated infestations, but larger invasions often require a selective herbicide program.
Research has shown that controlling established KR Bluestem requires persistence, and multiple applications are often necessary to reduce regrowth from the plant's crown and root system.
Can Katana Herbicide Kill KR Bluestem?
Yes.
Katana Turf Herbicide is labeled under a FIFRA 2(ee) recommendation for selective control of King Ranch Bluestem in several warm-season turfgrass species, including:
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Buffalograss
- Centipedegrass
- Seashore Paspalum
This allows homeowners and lawn professionals to target KR Bluestem without resorting to non-selective herbicides like glyphosate that kill desirable turf as well.
How to Apply Katana Herbicide
For the best results:
1. Treat Actively Growing Grass
Apply Katana when KR Bluestem is actively growing and not under drought stress. Young, vigorous growth absorbs herbicide more effectively than mature or dormant plants.
2. Use a Non-Ionic Surfactant
The label recommends adding a non-ionic surfactant (NIS) at 0.25% by volume to maximize herbicide coverage and uptake.
3. Expect Multiple Applications
KR Bluestem is not typically controlled with a single treatment.
The current recommendations call for:
- Repeat applications approximately every 4 weeks
- Up to 3 applications per year
- Following all labeled rates and restrictions
This sequential approach targets both existing plants and new regrowth for more consistent long-term control.
Lawn Care Tips for Better Control
Herbicide works best when combined with good lawn management practices.
To reduce future infestations:
- Mow regularly before seed heads mature.
- Bag seed heads if practical to reduce spread.
- Fertilize appropriately to encourage dense turf.
- Water deeply but infrequently to promote healthy root growth.
- Repair bare spots quickly so KR Bluestem has fewer opportunities to establish.
A thick, healthy lawn is your best long-term defense against invasive grassy weeds.
What to Expect After Treatment
KR Bluestem may begin showing yellowing and slowed growth within a couple of weeks, but complete control takes time.
Because this weed stores energy in its crown and roots, new shoots may emerge after the initial application. This is why following the recommended repeat treatment schedule is essential for long-term success.
Patience and consistency produce the best results.
Trust TruLawn HD for Professional Weed Control Solutions
At TruLawn HD, we help homeowners tackle some of the toughest lawn weeds with professional-grade products and expert advice.
If KR Bluestem has taken over your lawn, Katana Turf Herbicide offers one of the few selective solutions available for many warm-season grasses. When used according to the product label and combined with proper lawn maintenance, it can significantly reduce infestations and help restore a healthy, uniform lawn.
Need help with a complete weed control program? Contact the TruLawn HD we're here to help you achieve a lawn you'll be proud of.
Trulawn HD LLC is a Licensed and Insured lawn care professional serving the North Texas cities of Mckinney, Princeton, Allen, Fairview, Farmersville, Branch Lowry Crossing and New Hope.