Today, we're recapping two recent episodes of our YouTube channel's popular series, Heritage Hotline, where we answer community questions about pest control, turf management, and more.
In this blog, we'll be discussing Rob Garcia's tips on how to control Poa annua and how to understand the differences between greens grade and fairway grade fertilizers. Let's dive in!
How to Control Poa Annua
Poa annua, also known as annual bluegrass, is an invasive weed that commonly infests lawns, golf courses, and other turf areas. To identify Poa annua, look for its light green color, compact growth habit, and telltale white seedheads that emerge in clusters.
To control Poa annua, you can use a combination of post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergence programs. Tenacity is a popular post-emergent herbicide that targets Poa annua and requires only a low application rate, making it easy to mix in backpack sprayers. Products containing quinclorac, like Drive XLR8 or Q4 Plus, can also be effective when controlling other weeds in a Poa annua stand.
For a more comprehensive approach, combine these post-emergent herbicides with a Dimension 2EW program. This pre-emergent herbicide will help prevent Poa annua from germinating and establishing in your turf, ultimately reducing its presence over time.
Greens Grade vs. Fairway Grade Fertilizers
Now, let's discuss the differences between greens grade and fairway grade fertilizers. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper turf maintenance and ensuring the health and appearance of your greens, fairways, and home lawns.
Greens grade fertilizers are formulated with smaller particles, typically around 1mm in size. These tiny particles are ideal for low-cut turf areas like golf course tees and greens. The smaller particle size allows for a more even distribution of nutrients and minimizes the risk of mower pickup, promoting consistent growth and a smooth playing surface.
Fairway grade fertilizers, on the other hand, have larger particles, ranging from 2 to 2.5mm in size. These fertilizers are designed for higher-cut turf areas like fairways and home lawns. The larger particles offer a slower release of nutrients, ensuring a more controlled feeding for these turf areas.
The particle size of your fertilizer not only affects nutrient distribution but also how the product flows through a spreader. Using the correct fertilizer grade ensures proper application and contributes to the health and beauty of your turf.
A Recap Within a Recap!
Controlling Poa annua requires a combination of post-emergent herbicides, such as Tenacity or products containing quinclorac, and a pre-emergence program like Dimension 2EW. Understanding the differences between greens grade and fairway grade fertilizers is crucial for proper turf maintenance and achieving optimal results in your turf care efforts.
Stay tuned for more Heritage Hotline recaps, and be sure to visit our YouTube channel for answers to all of your pest control and turf management questions. Happy turf care!