Battling Poa Takes Patience and Persistence

Don’t be fooled by the silky texture and bright green color of Poa Annua (aka annual bluegrass). And beware of thinking too highly of the light green, glossy leaves of Poa Trivialis (a perennial grasslike plant). While they can be attractive, the old adage “looks can be deceiving” has never been truer. Poa Annua is actually a weed that can quickly take over any landscape. Since they can thrive in a variety of environments, it’s important to recognize them and learn how to control them.

What is Poa Annua?

Poa Annua, or commonly nicknamed poa, is a type of annual bluegrass. It can have a yearlong lifecycle and show up seasonally depending on the soil structure and climate. Since it is a cool-season grass, it typically thrives during winter months, and seeds in early spring.

What is Poa Trivialis?

Poa Trivialis is also known as rough stalk bluegrass. It is an invasive perennial grassy weed that thrives in moist soil. It can easily be spotted in shady areas of lawns and parks. It also can grow well in sunny areas that are well watered such as golf courses and athletic fields.

What does this weed look like?

• Poa Annua
  Fine, narrow, bright green leaves that grow in dense tufts or mats of grass define Poa Annua. This weed can grow anywhere from 2 inches to 12 inches during fall and winter months when control is crucial. Delicate seedheads with small, greenish-white flowers are produced in spring and early summer. Despite its lush, green appearance, many Georgia homeowners may not appreciate an infestation of this dense, clumpy weed.

• Poa Trivialis
  This yellow-green grassy weed will grow in dense patches during late fall and winter. As temperatures climb, its glossy leaves will die and leave ugly brown patches on the landscape. The edges of the blades are rough, and when the seedheads are in bloom, they take on the shape of a pyramid.

What Problems Does Poa Cause?

If Poa is not controlled, its seeds will fall and germinate causing a spread of new growth. Poa can infest lawns, gardens, golf courses, and natural areas. It is considered a weed because it competes with more desirable grasses. Its wide range in growth height can cause an uneven appearance. 

How can Poa Be Controlled?

Controlling Poa can be challenging because it is adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. It also is resistant to mowing and foot traffic. Its ability to produce a large number of seeds means potential for fast growth. The best way to reduce its presence is to use proper lawn maintenance techniques along with herbicides and overseeding. 

Cultural and mechanical control methods include:

• Proper Lawn Maintenance
  • Stick to a watering schedule that is best for the type of grass in your lawn.
  • Water deeply and infrequently instead of lightly and often.
  • Mow on a weekly basis at the right height, and make sure mower blades are sharp.
  • For a more even cut, change up the direction each time you mow. 
• Overseeding
  • Seeding with desirable grasses can help stunt the growth of Poa. As new grass grows, it crowds out the more undesirable poa grasses.
  • Popular grasses for Georgia property owners include Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Bermudagrass, and Ryegrass 

Chemical control methods include a pre-emergent treatment applied to your lawn in the fall before poa seeds can germinate. This treatment method stops weed grass from growing and spreading all over your lawn. While Poa is a tough one to eradicate, these methods above will ensure its growth to a minimum in your yard. Homeowners need to remember that it’s a process that takes patience and persistence over several seasons.

Simply Green Can Help!

Poa annua is a common grass species often considered a weed that must be controlled in Georgia lawns. Known for its fine texture and distinctive seedheads, it is easy to spot but can be a challenge to manage. Management is important to maintain the health and aesthetics of lawns, golf courses and other landscapes. For help managing your population of Poa, contact Simply Green Lawn Care Plus for a consultation and to get started on regular weed control service.

Trivalis image contributor By Rasbak – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138143