Weed in lawn - Ask Extension
Do you know what this weed is? Seeded my lawn last year and this is growing. Slit seeded or hydro seeded over the top, can't remember which. The weed...
Knowledgebase
Weed in lawn #867274
Asked May 06, 2024, 3:13 PM EDT
Do you know what this weed is? Seeded my lawn last year and this is growing. Slit seeded or hydro seeded over the top, can't remember which. The weed is the lighter green color with wider blades. Put prodimine down this year for pre-emergent. Any advice?
Isabella County Michigan
Expert Response
I cannot tell for sure from the photo as I would need closeup photos of certain features (grass ID is tricky with photos) or a physical sample.
My guess, if this is like my own lawn, is that this is perennial ryegrass from the grass seeding mixture. It grows faster than the other species in these mixes (e.g. Kentucky bluegrass is very slow to establish), and is lighter in color. This acts as a "nurse crop" to cover the ground while the other species establish and overtime the mix will even out. In my own lawn work was done on the gas lines and these areas only were reseeded by the gas company...it does not look great right now as it is lighter green than the rest of my lawn and appears to grow twice as fast.
You can check out this older article from University of Illinois Extension that explains more eloquently what I am getting at
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=288#:~:text=In%20order%20for%20a%20green,looking%20clumps%20are%20the%20result
Please let me know if you have any questions.
My guess, if this is like my own lawn, is that this is perennial ryegrass from the grass seeding mixture. It grows faster than the other species in these mixes (e.g. Kentucky bluegrass is very slow to establish), and is lighter in color. This acts as a "nurse crop" to cover the ground while the other species establish and overtime the mix will even out. In my own lawn work was done on the gas lines and these areas only were reseeded by the gas company...it does not look great right now as it is lighter green than the rest of my lawn and appears to grow twice as fast.
You can check out this older article from University of Illinois Extension that explains more eloquently what I am getting at
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=288#:~:text=In%20order%20for%20a%20green,looking%20clumps%20are%20the%20result
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Hi Erin,
Attached are 2 more photos.
Does that help? I know they aren’t the best pics.
Thanks!
Nonie
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:37 PM
To: Gross, Nonie <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Weed in lawn (#0137195)
Nonie,
Unfortunately I can't make out any additional details in those photos, but given the wide spread nature, I think my inkling of perennial ryegrass is correct.
I am attaching a pdf of the types of photos we need for grass ID with pictures. This is a different grass, but you get the idea.
You're also welcome to submit a sample to our lab (MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics). Here's some more info relative to turf samples https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/#Residential%20Turf
Plant IDs cost $10.
We can continue with photos though if you can take any that are like those I posted.
Unfortunately I can't make out any additional details in those photos, but given the wide spread nature, I think my inkling of perennial ryegrass is correct.
I am attaching a pdf of the types of photos we need for grass ID with pictures. This is a different grass, but you get the idea.
You're also welcome to submit a sample to our lab (MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics). Here's some more info relative to turf samples https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/#Residential%20Turf
Plant IDs cost $10.
We can continue with photos though if you can take any that are like those I posted.
