Get Rid Of Clumpy Of Poa Annua


Q: What can I do in the spring to get rid of clumps of Poa annua in my bermudagrass, especially on fairways and in the rough?

A: The clumpy growth habit of Poa annua is very prominent in the spring, especially on bermudagrass fairways and rough. Not only do the clumps look bad, they negatively affect playability. The challenge is how to control the clumps of Poa without harming the bermudagrass that is coming out of dormancy.

Related: Poa Annua, Where is It?

Here are four strategies to deal with clumpy Poa in the spring:

  1. Lower the cutting height and mow more frequently. This will improve playability and will help to stimulate bermudagrass growth for a more even playing surface.
  2. Slightly reduce irrigation to stress the Poa annua. Stretching irrigation applications will help to stress the clumps of Poa annua. Keep in mind that shutting off the water completely is not a good strategy because bermudagrass coming out of dormancy needs adequate soil moisture for healthy growth.
  3. Apply selective herbicides. There are several herbicides that kill Poa annua without harming bermudagrass. The most popular for use in the spring are the sulfonylurea herbicides Revolver® (foramsulfuron), Monument® (trifloxysulfuron), and Katana® (flazasulfuron). These herbicides can be moved with irrigation runoff or foot traffic when the turf is wet, so it’s important to be careful with applications near desirable cool season grasses. Always read and follow the productwith any herbicide application.
  4. Plan to make preemergence herbicide applications in the fall. Consider making a map of current infestation and plan to apply a preemergence herbicide in the fall to prevent Poa annua growth the following winter and spring.

Lean on Us for More Turf Solutions

If you have any questions about turfgrass management, irrigation, or water use efficiency, feel free to email them to me at pgross@ewingirrigation.com.

Golf Course Trades

Recent Posts

Golf Resorts Illuminate Trend Toward Sustainability – Good for Brands, Operations and the Earth

In recent years, luxury golf resorts have stepped up their commitment to sustainability, aiming not…

5 days ago

Dunedin GC Post-Hurricane Update & Winterizing a PNW Golf Course: Making the Rounds – Installment 34

This column features recollections of the author’s 37 years as a golf writer. These installments…

6 days ago

Conway Farms Golf Club Revitalizes with Tom Fazio Update and New Rain Bird CirrusPRO™ Irrigation System

Chicago’s Conway Farms Golf Club is a modern classic designed by Tom Fazio three decades…

1 week ago

Superintendents Online Turf Directory – EVERYTHING TURF

Our online directory, directory.GolfCourseTrades.com is the go-to resource for the busy superintendent. It is your opportunity…

1 week ago

St. Regis Bahia Beach Earns Platinum Green Certification from Audubon International

Audubon International – The environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives…

1 week ago

Biral Completes Sale to Senseca, and Announces Leadership Transition

Biral, a leading provider of high-precision meteorological sensors, today announces the completion of its sale…

2 weeks ago