How do I control annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in a home lawn in Washington County Virginia?
Website Resources: http://poa.annua.turfweeds.net Recommendation: The KY bluegrass sample is presumed to be part of the lawn turf. Annual bluegrass will die with summer heat and drought. Only water the lawn when needed to encourage the demise of annual bluegrass. Seed thin areas left by dieing annual bluegrass and aerate/fertilize the lawn in early September to promote healthy turfgrass. Annual bluegrass is best controlled using weed and feed fertilizers in the fall. You must choose a product marketed for either crabgrass or annual bluegrass control. At least one of the following active ingredients should be listed on the bag: pendimethilin, trifluralin, prodiamine, dithiopyr, oxadiazon, and oryzalin. Apply the weed and feed product around mid to late August so that the herbicide will prevent annual bluegrass germination in the lawn which typically peaks in mid September. Always read and follow label instructions on the pesticide bag/container.
