Redtop has a widespread presence across multiple continents, primarily native to regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America. As a cultivated species, redtop is found across various terrains and climates, demonstrating its adaptive nature. While native to some parts of North America, it has expanded its range, considered introduced in areas of South America, Africa, and Oceania. In certain regions, redtop is sometimes thought to be invasive, where it may have an impact on ecosystems, notably in parts of North America and Africa. Despite its broad distribution, the cultivation of redtop is controlled to mitigate potential ecological effects.

Redtop is considered a common weed in North America, where it esacped agricultural planting areas in pastures. Now, it grows commonly as a weed along roadsides and in farm fields in North America. It is considered an invasive species that threatens native plants in Alaska and Virginia. It sequesters valuable nutrients and space from native species. In addition, it hybridizes with native species, causing the appearance of other atypical weed hybrid species. Care should be taken when planting this species as a pasture crop not to let it escape its planting area.

Though redtop is often cultivated, there are times when it needs to be culled and removed. The main method that is actually able to eliminate populations of redtop is the application of herbicide. Herbicides containing atrazine have been demonstrated to be extremely effective against this and other cold-season grasses while largely ignoring warm-weather species. Nevertheless, care should be taken not to apply the chemical to other plants.