Eradicating Poa trivialis - Ask Extension
Hi all - I live next to a golf course that has closed and returned to prarie. All kinds of grasses and weeds that I am now battling. Thistle is all ar...
Knowledgebase
Eradicating Poa trivialis #481054
Asked August 27, 2018, 7:36 AM EDT
Hi all - I live next to a golf course that has closed and returned to prarie. All kinds of grasses and weeds that I am now battling. Thistle is all around me. Bent grass has invaded my lawn but I’m controlling it with Tenacity. Now I’ve discovered poa trivialis and I’ve not found any selective herbice to treat it. Any suggestions on how to eradicate poa trivialis? It’s dormant now and I’m raking it out where I can and now have bare spots. Can I just re-seed or do I need to apply glysophate?
Thank you!
Craig
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
There is not a product that can be used in the home lawn as a selective herbicide. A study from the University of Nebraska details ways to reduce Poa trivialis which allows other grasses to out compete this grassy weed. It also details use of non-selective herbicides and the correct timing for use on this grass, along with reseeding the areas as the rough bluegrass is in decline from use of herbicides in spring. See the following research information: https://turf.unl.edu/turfinfo/5-18_Poa_triv.pdf
The one area that rough bluegrass is not easily managed is where the soil stays wet from poor drainage or from heavy watering.
The one area that rough bluegrass is not easily managed is where the soil stays wet from poor drainage or from heavy watering.