Question
Floyd
I recently moved to southern Illinois.  I have growing in my yard what they tell me is wild garlic.  It grows 3 times as fast as the grass and is very unsightly.  Can you tell me how to get rid of it.  I appreciate any info you can give me on this.  Thanks
DJ

Answer
Good afternoon DJ:
Identification and control of Wild Garlic:  Copy, Paste and hit "GO" in your Internet browser

http://www.turf.uiuc.edu/weed_web/index.htm

The above web site is not going to make you very happy DJ. About the only good method of control is a postemergent  such as triclopyr applied during early to mid spring only when the wild garlic is actively growing. When that time comes, and you purchase an herbicide, make sure the bag indicates that it will control wild garlic. Unfortunately the bulbs of wild garlic will remain in the soil and some will escape the herbicide. You will have to treat for at least a couple of years in a row for it to be effective. I would recommend spot treating only in the weed areas.
I would also recommend that you mow your grass at a height of 3 inches and cut often removing no more than 1/3 of the grass blades at each mowing. That will shade the soil in the root zone thereby discouraging the wild garlic seedlings. Also fertilize your lawn to achieve a thicker stand of grass. About 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season is suggested for most full-sun lawns. Split into 2 or 3 applications, with each single application of nitrogen being about 1 pound per 1,000 sq. ft. About half as much nitrogen should be used for areas under trees. Early fall (September 1-15) is a key time for fertilizing lawns in your area. The schedule below outlines when to apply based on how many applications are to be made annually and desired lawn quality. Use controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers in May and September and a fast-release source in late fall. Consider Mother's Day, Labor Day and Halloween as reminders or favorable times to fertilize lawns.
If you desire a moderate quality lawn I would suggest you apply two applications. One in early May and one in early September.
If you desire a moderate to high quality lawn I would suggest you apply three applications. One in early May, one in early September and one in late October or early November using a winterizer fertilizer. A good winterizer fertilizer would be a 24-3-12.
Have a good lawn:
Floyd McMahon