Lawn not growing except in spots . Help. - Ask Extension
This year my normally nice lawn went through some kind of transfer. It has barely started growing except in spots where small tufts of I don't what is...
Knowledgebase
Lawn not growing except in spots . Help. #869595
Asked May 22, 2024, 11:16 AM EDT
This year my normally nice lawn went through some kind of transfer. It has barely started growing except in spots where small tufts of I don't what is growing( maybe a tall fescue). I did put down a pre emergent in late March this year. I usually have it fertilized professionally and I have it aeriated every year. I can get more pics and go into more detail. Looking forward to your help. MSU Extension has helped in the past and I'm hoping you can again.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
It looks like you have annual blue grass. Annual bluegrass (Poa) is one of the most invasive weeds in turfgrass stands. It is also one of the most difficult to control.
Efforts to find chemical controls for Poa have been thwarted by its diverse genetic make-up. Poa is officially described as a cool-season winter annual. Winter annuals are plants that germinate in late summer to early-fall, overwinter, and produce seed in the spring. Typical winter annuals die soon after seed production as daytime air temperatures increase.
Annual bluegrass - Poa annua - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
Annual Bluegrass - Turf (msu.edu)
Spring blooming lawn and garden weeds: A focus on winter annual identification and management - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)
You can send in a sample to get a firm diagnosis. See attached.
Services & Fees - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
It looks like you have annual blue grass. Annual bluegrass (Poa) is one of the most invasive weeds in turfgrass stands. It is also one of the most difficult to control.
Efforts to find chemical controls for Poa have been thwarted by its diverse genetic make-up. Poa is officially described as a cool-season winter annual. Winter annuals are plants that germinate in late summer to early-fall, overwinter, and produce seed in the spring. Typical winter annuals die soon after seed production as daytime air temperatures increase.
Annual bluegrass - Poa annua - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
Annual Bluegrass - Turf (msu.edu)
Spring blooming lawn and garden weeds: A focus on winter annual identification and management - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)
You can send in a sample to get a firm diagnosis. See attached.
Services & Fees - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Thank You . So I guess one question i have is why is my lawn taking so long to grow when this other grass annual bluegrass (Poa) growing so prominently. What is my next step?
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 4:09 AM
To: Richard Bucki <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Lawn not growing except in spots . Help. (#0139516)
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 4:09 AM
To: Richard Bucki <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Lawn not growing except in spots . Help. (#0139516)
Good Afternoon
No single control procedure has been successful in controlling annual bluegrass in turfgrass. Early removal of solitary infestations has been successful when practiced diligently. Open spots should be overseeded to establish a vigorous turfgrass. Removal of grass clippings might help reduce the number of seeds that reach the soil.
Overwatering, especially in shady areas, will predispose turfgrass to annual bluegrass invasion. Use deep and infrequent irrigation to discourage the development of shallow-rooted annual bluegrass. Try withholding water until the desirable turf is beginning to show drought stress, rather than keeping the surface moist. Avoid fertilization and don’t aerate turf during the peak of annual bluegrass germination. Also, avoid cultural practices as well as use patterns that tend to promote soil compaction.
Annual Bluegrass Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)
As for the other grass, grass cannot grow in soil with a pH that is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline). When soil is too alkaline and compacted, air, water and nutrients cannot get down to the roots, and the grass will not grow properly.
When was the last time you had a soil test? I suggest you get a soil test as your next step. Get Started | MSU Soil Test
I hope this answers your question.
No single control procedure has been successful in controlling annual bluegrass in turfgrass. Early removal of solitary infestations has been successful when practiced diligently. Open spots should be overseeded to establish a vigorous turfgrass. Removal of grass clippings might help reduce the number of seeds that reach the soil.
Overwatering, especially in shady areas, will predispose turfgrass to annual bluegrass invasion. Use deep and infrequent irrigation to discourage the development of shallow-rooted annual bluegrass. Try withholding water until the desirable turf is beginning to show drought stress, rather than keeping the surface moist. Avoid fertilization and don’t aerate turf during the peak of annual bluegrass germination. Also, avoid cultural practices as well as use patterns that tend to promote soil compaction.
Annual Bluegrass Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)
As for the other grass, grass cannot grow in soil with a pH that is too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline). When soil is too alkaline and compacted, air, water and nutrients cannot get down to the roots, and the grass will not grow properly.
When was the last time you had a soil test? I suggest you get a soil test as your next step. Get Started | MSU Soil Test
I hope this answers your question.
