Learn Your Lawn: Annual Bluegrass Control in Bermudagrass Lawns

What Is Annual Bluegrass?

Annual Bluegrass, or Poa Annua, is a common weed that invades Bermudagrass lawns and golf courses. It is often more visible in Bermudagrass lawns during the winter months when Bermudagrass is dormant. It’s a cool-season grass that can tolerate low mowing heights and has a high seed production rate, which allows it to spread quickly and makes it difficult to control. 

How Can I Control Annual Bluegrass In My Bermudagrass Lawn?

If Annual Bluegrass does become a problem in your lawn, pre-emergent applications can be applied in fall and spring to help reduce the spread. However, good cultural practices will help you maintain a thick, healthy lawn with a strong root base. A dense lawn and root system will choke out Annual Bluegrass and other invasive weeds, preventing them from taking root and growing. 

A thick, healthy, well-maintained lawn is always the best line of defense. This can be achieved through beneficial cultural practices which include:

• Core Aeration: Aerating your lawn can improve soil drainage and help reduce the likelihood of lawn diseases. This will also alleviate soil compaction and allow water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil.

• Fertilize Regularly: Regular applications of Weed Man’s specially formulated, slow-release granular fertilizer will help provide your lawn with adequate nutrients. These applications are timed specifically to avoid over fertilizing the lawn.

• Watering: Under normal circumstances, you should be watering your lawn a few times per week for 30-45 minutes in each area. During hot and dry periods, most lawns should be watered as much as required to maintain its desired green color. Always water in the early morning so the turf has time to dry by nightfall.

• Mowing: Maintain a regular mowing schedule with a razor sharp blade. Never remove more than a ⅓ of the grass blade at each mowing.

Recommended Mowing Height

Common Bermudagrass - ¾ to 1¼ inches

Hybrid Bermudagrass - ½ to 1½  inches

Your local Weed Man professional will be able to offer other solutions and recommend the best form of treatment that is suitable to improve the conditions of your lawn.