Annual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua, is a type of grass that is commonly found in lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. It is considered a weed by many turf landscapers because of its ability to rapidly spread and displace desired grass species. This grass species is a winter annual, meaning that it grows and thrives in cooler temperatures.

Annual bluegrass is commonly found in temperate climates and is often used for turfgrass and forage for livestock. It is called “annual” because its lifecycle is completed in one growing season. As mentioned, this grass can be used as turf due to it has a light green, delicate appearance. It has fine, slender leaves that grow in a bunch-like formation and can reach a height of 8-12 inches. The flowers of Poa annua are small and inconspicuous, typically light green or purple, and grow in clusters at the top of stems. The grass can form a dense mat of growth, making it well-suited for use as a turfgrass.

However, due to its annual nature, people in Chandlers Landing and The Shores consider it a weed. It is at its strongest from late March to early November, with optimal growth occurring when temperatures are between 60-75 degrees. Once established this can and will take over healthy turf grass and can be very difficult to get rid of.

This grass can and will send out multiple seeds at a very low height, making them very difficult to mow. This makes it particularly annoying when we take into account that it only takes about 2 months for hundreds of seed heads to be spread.

Here are some steps to help control the growth of this weed in your lawn.

  1. Proper Maintenance: Mowing at a height of 3-3.5”, fertilizing and watering properly can help to make your lawn less hospitable to weeds.
  2. Pre-emergent: The use of pre-emergent can be a successful method to control the spread of pesky weeds.
  3. Herbicides: Herbicides can be effective in controlling any weed. Hiring a professional is beneficial as they are trained on how much and how often herbicide should be applied and what product fits your lawn type.
  4. Re-seeding: Over time, overseeding your lawn with a high-quality turf grass seed can help to crowd out weeds.
  5. Cultural Practices: Implementing cultural practices such as topdressing, aeration, and dethatching can also help to control weeds.

The use of herbicides, if used incorrectly, could damage your lawn. Contact Safe Earth Pest Control, where we have licensed professionals that are ready to tackle your weeds and are knowledgeable in what products fit your grass type. 214-321-2847