University of Wyoming researchers estimate if cheatgrass continues to spread, annual losses could exceed $109.8 million. Since the 1800s, this invasive weed has been choking out native grasses and “cheating” them out of the nutrients and soil. “There's no silver bullet when it comes to invasive annual grasses, particularly cheat grass,” Fleming said. By eliminating cheatgrass, Fleming said studies show the perennial grass has access to nutrients and water. “The cheatgrass didn't have the moisture, so the deep-rooted native grasses took hold before the cheatgrass even had a chance to germinate.”