Question
That is why I think that it is strange that I have it.  I have one of the thickest, plushest lawns in the neighborhood.  Is there anything else that could look exactly like it, that maybe it could be.  I first thought that it was the rye grass, and maybe it just had a spring seeding stage that would eventually go away.  Really only the seeds at the top of the shoots are the off color, the actual stems match in perfect.  thanks again for your help Ken.

jeff-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Dear Ken,
I live in Western Michigan.  My lawn as far as I can tell is a Kentucky, rye, fescue mixture, and is looking great so far this Spring.  I have applied my first step in Scotts plan, TB with Halts, and water deeply in the mornings.  Dandalions seem to be under control, using both the pulling method, and a few trips around the yard with ortho bottle.  Very happy with the early color and thickness, but now the annual bluegrass is seeding out.  The poa annua, which I am 99% sure it is, is really starting to get annoying.  It seems to be the only thing that is bothering my lawn.  The unsightly color seems to ruin the turf's appearance.  I was wondering what I may do now, and in the future to control/prevent this problem.  Can I killk ot off, or is it here to stay for at least this year.  I understand that it likes moisture and frequent mowing, but so does the rest of the grass, lol.  Thanks for any and all help that you may provide me with this problem.  I do have some pictures if there is anyway to send them to you.  thnaks again Ken.
Jeff Dault
Muskegon, MI
Answer -
Poa annua will mainly invade a lawn which is not dense and lush. It is correct that it likes moisture. by this is meant a lawn which is kept consistently moist or which is watered frequently.

I recommend watering infrequently but deeply when you do water, e.g. once per week for 2 hours rather than 15 minutes daily. You should still mow frequently, and mow high. Avoid cutting grass too low. this will affect the rest of your lawn grasses.

I recommend that you fertilize in late spring, early fall and late fall. Unless you have a prior problem with crabgrass, I actually recommend that you skip the early spring fertilization. do not fertilize during hot summer months (e.g. skip the scott's turfbuilder with insecticides in summer). In your area, fertilize late may, early september and late october. the last application of the year is very important.

Poa annua is difficult to eradicate once established. if you want to dig it out and reseed you can do this (or use Round-Up to kill the grass). Creating a dense lush lawn is the best way to keep poa annua out of the lawn in future.

general lawn care tips:
- fertilize in late spring, early fall and late fall
- water infrequently but deeply when you do water
- mow the lawn high (2.5-3.5" tall after cutting) and mow frequently. try not to cut more than 1/3 of the length of the grass off during any one mowing.
- mulch mow and return clippings to the lawn


Answer
I suspect what you are seeing is the seed stage in early spring. Various grasses (kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass etc) will set seeds in early spring. the infloresence (flower stalk) will look light green but last only about 1 month in spring. keep the lawn mowed and eventually it will disappear. In our area (NJ) it is mainly a problem in May.

Some cultivars are more susceptible to setting seeds than other. it is not necerssarily only perennial ryegrass. Each type of grass has cultivars which has a tendency to go to seed. Only by buying specific cultivars are you able to avoid this. typically mixed bags of lawn grasses may also contain cultivars which will go so seed, so it can be very difficult to avoid.