If you've noticed couch grass growing in your garden and spoiling the uniform look of your lawn, you may be wondering whether it's a weed and if you should remove it.
While yes, this perennial species is technically a weed – spreading aggressively and sometimes competing with other plants outdoors – it can play an important part in the ecosystem in your garden, for butterflies and moths in particular.
To find out whether you should remove it and the easiest way to do so, we spoke with two gardening experts who have shared their advice below.
Should I remove couch grass?
No, you don’t need to remove couch grass as part of your lawn care routine. In fact, this species supports the wildlife in your garden, acting as an important food source for butterfly and moth caterpillars, according to experts at the RHS.
It can also provide shelter for some insects, such as beetles, keeping them protected from predators and providing a safe hunting ground.
Not only does it help the creatures in your garden, but it also increases biodiversity, and RHS experts say it is increasingly being considered a wildflower. Thanks to its flowering seed head – which appears from June to August – this grass can also look very pretty in a meadow-style space.
While there are lots of benefits to keeping couch grass in your garden, it’s worth being aware that it is an invasive and fast-growing plant, which can spoil the look of a tidy lawn and outcompete other plants.
With that in mind, you may choose to remove it or relocate it to another area of the garden. The RHS recommends this if it is growing in a vegetable garden, newly planted borders, newly sown lawns, and alpine rockeries, and suggests doing so in early spring.
How do I remove couch grass?
If couch grass is causing problems in your garden, you can remove this weed naturally, as using a herbicide will also kill patches of your lawn.
“Couch grass is one of the most persistent garden weeds because it spreads through an extensive network of underground stems, known as rhizomes. Simply pulling off the top growth often isn't enough, as any remaining roots can quickly regenerate and produce new plants," explains Martin Chaplin, Head of Horticulture at Hedges Direct.
“To remove couch grass effectively, it's important to dig out as much of the root system as possible, carefully lifting and removing the white rhizomes from the soil. Some gardeners find using a garden fork rather than a spade helps, as it loosens the soil while reducing the likelihood of cutting the roots into smaller pieces that can regrow elsewhere."
If you're dealing with a large infestation, he says you can cover the area with cardboard, mulch, or a weed-suppressing membrane for several months, which will block light and weaken the plant.
Top tip: remove couch grass after rainfall as the rhizomes will be easier to lift, and avoid aggressive digging as this can spread it even further.
Tackle couch grass with these shopping picks
A good-quality hand fork is essential for weed removal, and this one from Kent & Stowe is made from durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
This weed control membrane does the hard work for you – simply lay it over your couch grass. It is water-permeable, UV-stable, and can be covered with a range of materials.
Martin brings over 35 years of experience in the horticultural world, shaped by a lifelong curiosity and deep appreciation for plant diversity. He has worked alongside high-profile nurseries, growers, and specialist breeders, contributing to new plant releases and holding senior roles across retail, garden centres, and landscape supply.
How do I control couch grass?
If you don't want to remove the couch grass altogether (but would rather it didn't grow out of control), Martin Chaplin recommends "regular weeding, mulching and maintaining healthy, densely planted borders" to suppress new growth.
"Ground-cover planting can also be useful, as couch grass is less likely to spread vigorously where there is strong competition from established plants. Varieties such as hardy geraniums, vinca (periwinkle) and ajuga create dense coverage that helps shade the soil and reduce the space available for weeds to establish," he adds.
As we've learned, there are pros and cons to couch grass in your garden, and deciding whether to remove it or keep it is ultimately up to you.
If you found this helpful, you may want to read our guide on laying turf over grass or learn about the different types of ornamental grass.
