Annual Bluegrass

This winter annual weed emerges in early fall, persists through the winter, produces seed in early spring, and then dies in late spring or early summer. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) invades weak, thin turfgrass areas, especially low spots in lawns and bed areas where standing water occurs.

Control: Handpulling is a simple practical approach for small areas. Improve the health and density of the lawn by fertilizing at the right time and with the correct amount; maintaining an appropriate soil pH; mowing at the recommended height; and watering properly. Apply a two- to three-inch layer of mulch to ornamental bed areas to suppress germinating weed seeds. Improve surface drainage. Herbicides are available depending on the crop grown.