How to Get Rid of Winter Grass in Your Lawn

Winter grass (Poa annua) is an annual grass weed that thrives in cool-season climates. It is identifiable by its fine texture, light green colour, and boat-shaped leaf tips. 

 Additionally, it often forms dense patches or clumps in lawns, especially during the cooler months. Its distinctive seed heads, resembling tiny panicles, are another characteristic feature that aids in identification. 

 It germinates in autumn and early winter and will continue to grow, start clumping and spreading as the winter continues. By early spring, winter grass is in full growth, shedding thousands of seeds into your turf for emergence the following year. 

 Winter grass’ ability to outcompete desirable turfgrass species and its unsightly appearance make it a common nuisance in Australian lawns. 

You must treat winter grass in your lawn as soon as possible. However, not all chemicals are suitable for all turf types and care needs to be taken when selecting a product to use.  

 Here, we’ll look at 2 ways to control winter grass in your lawn safely using both chemical and natural methods.  

1. Use a Herbicide

Herbicides for winter grass are different from most as they act on the root system rather than on the leaf system like other poisons.  

 Selective herbicides such as Campbells Poa Chek and Envu Tribute are effective for controlling winter grass in established lawns. These herbicides target winter grass while sparing desirable turfgrass species. 

Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent winter grass seeds from germinating. Applying pre-emergent herbicides in late summer or early autumn before winter grass seeds germinate can provide effective long-term control by inhibiting seedling establishment. 

When to Apply Herbicides? 

Winter grass must be treated at the right time of year, otherwise the herbicide will not effectively kill the weed.  The best time to treat winter grass is in May, before you can even see the weed. You may still kill winter grass into June and sometimes July. However, the later you go in the winter, the more mature the grass becomes and the more difficult it becomes to kill.  

 Winter grass treatments in August or September simply will not work – the weed is just too strong and will easily outcompete the herbicide. 

How Long do Herbicides Take to Work? 

The more winter grass matures, the more difficult it is to kill, and it will often resist weed sprays.  Expect to treat winter grass for a few years running, as the seed banks will take some time to deplete their stocks in the soil. 

2. Natural Remedies 

Natural control methods offer environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical treatments. Practices such as improving soil health and promoting dense turf growth can help outcompete winter grass. Additionally, regular dethatching and aerating can disrupt winter grass growth and promote a healthier lawn. 

 If winter grass hasn’t germinated, it is sometimes possible to control this weed by mowing it. However, as winter grass has a relatively low profile, it may not be possible to do this without scalping the nearby turf.  

5 Herbicides to Control Winter Grass

Post-emergent control of Winter Grass is also an option once the weed has already germinated. The post-emergent herbicide targets the Winter Grass root system and stunts the growth of the weed. However, unlike pre-emergent herbicide, post-emergent herbicides can not control new generations of the weed.

How to Prevent Winter Grass in Your Lawn 

Maintain a Health Lawn 

A healthy, well-maintained lawn is your first line of defence against winter grass invasion. Proper lawn care practices, including regular mowing, watering, and fertilising help promote dense turf growth, reducing opportunities for winter grass to establish itself. 

Hand-Pulling and Cultivation

For small infestations, we recommend hand pulling individual winter grass plants for effective removal. 

Control Winter Grass with myhomeTURF

Protecting your lawn from winter grass requires selective herbicide application, proper lawn maintenance and timely intervention.  

 By following the insights we recommend, homeowners can combat winter grass infestations and maintain a beautiful, weed-free lawn year round. With diligence and strategic management practices, you can keep winter grass at bay and enjoy a healthy, vibrant lawn that enhances your outdoor space.  

 Visit myhomeTURF’s online shop for lawn care, treatment and maintenance products.