Controlling Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) in Lawns

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a winter annual that reseeds prolifically, forming a thick mat that chokes out desirable turf. It dies in heat, leaving bare spots and thousands of seeds for next fall.

Best Control: Fall Pre-Emergent

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in mid-September to prevent seed germination. Products containing benefin, bensulide, oryzalin, pendimethalin, dithiopyr, or prodiamine provide excellent control.

Critical Restrictions

• Do not use pre-emergent on fescue lawns you plan to overseed.
• Imazaquin (Image) controls emerged bluegrass in winter/early spring on all grasses except fescue.
• Glyphosate spot-treatment works only on fully dormant bermudagrass (temps in low 20s for a week+). Spray lightly or use a glyphosate-wetted towel on a rake to wipe onto weeds.

Images

Timing and grass-type awareness are essential for effective Poa annua management.