Controlling Poa Annua in Warm Season Lawns
When you think of your lawn's more troublesome weeds, what do you think of? You might think of some wicked weeds that sprout on the sides of your home that have some seriously deep roots. You also might think of an annual grass, such as crabgrass that we discussed last month, but did you know there is another annual grass that can be giving you headaches?
Poa Annua is another annual grass that will be found predominantly in warm season lawns. It's especially tricky to locate and eliminate due to its resemblance to your grass and its ability to lay dormant for years before actually sprouting.
Identifying Existing Poa Annua
- Poa Annua will grow in clumps, rather than single sprouts like other weeds.
- Its shade of green will be similar to your grass, but can be slightly lighter in color.
- Poa Annua can grow in most areas of your lawn, and thrives in moist and compact soil.
- Since its seeds germinate in the winter, you'll notice Poa Annua pop up come springtime.
Dealing with Poa Annua Before Growth
The best way to combat this nutrient-stealing annual grass is by the use of a pre-emergent herbicide. These treatments will stop the weed growth before they are able to come to full growth and drop another couple hundred seeds on your lawn.
Continuing to keep your lawn healthy by removing excess thatch, decompacting your soil, and avoiding over watering will all work towards preventing future weed growth, alongside these pre-emergent treatments.
Dealing with Poa Annua After Growth
As we approach springtime, you will want to be on the lookout for Poa Annua sprouting up if you have a warm season lawn. If you applied a pre-emergent herbicide in the preceding fall, then you are well on your way to eliminating this annual grass. If not, then you'll want to use something called a post-emergent herbicide.
These post-emergent herbicides work their best when you've already used a pre-emergent, but they can be a great way to get started on recurring treatments to prevent Poa Annua seeds from sprouting for years to come.
How AgroPro Can Help
If you're noticing that your lawn is continuously bothered by annual grasses, such as Poa Annua or Crabgrass, or other lawn diseases, then contact AgroPro today! We offer lawn and plant care services to help keep your lawn healthy all year long.
