Why is annual meadow grass so damaging to your lawn?

Everything you need to know about annual meadow grass and how to treat it. 

Annual meadow grass (or Poa annua) is a low-growing weed grass that thrives in the borders and within lawns.

When striving for the perfect lawn, the appearance of this breed of grass is both unsightly and dangerous – as it competes against your lawn’s turf grass for space, water and nutrients.

While we want to see a lush and dense grass cover on a lawn, annual meadow grass should be discouraged.

How does annual meadow grass spread?

Annual meadow grass is one of the most common weed grasses in the UK, as our climate is perfect for its rapid reproduction.

And although it is undesirable on a lawn or any grassed area, it can establish very successfully in most soil types.

Annual meadow grass can spread rapidly through seeding, with seeds dispersed on a 10-day cycle.

Shortly after germination, seedlings develop rapid and shallow roots that spread wherever they touch the soil.

Growth is generally strong in the late spring.

But there is often another flush of growth in the early autumn, where the most undesirable weed grasses become widespread if left unattended.

How to treat annual meadow grass?

As annual meadow grass is low-growing, it cannot be removed through mowing.

And with no chemical application registered for use in the lawn care market, the removal of annual meadow grass can be achieved through annual scarification.

During this process, most of the annual meadow grass will be removed, as there is little resistance from the shallow roots.

This is followed by oversowing all bare areas with more desirable ryegrass or fescue, aiding both the quality and the lawn appearance, achieving the lush and dense grass cover you desire.

Though, due to the high level of seed production, it cannot be guaranteed to remove all this type of grass from a lawn, we can make every effort to minimise its presence.

Want the best quality care for your lawn?

When treating your lawn for annual meadow grass or any other issue, you want to know it’s in good hands.

At TruGreen UK, we have over 3o years of experience as industry leaders in the lawn care market and are part of the world’s leading lawn care brand.

This means you receive treatment from lawn care experts local to your area who have access to the best possible tools for any job.

Quality lawn care is a consistent endeavour, and for the best results, consistency is vital.

To help you get your lawn to the highest possible standard, our technicians cultivate bespoke treatment plans known as a six-step annual programme.

So, potentially reoccurring issues like annual lawn grass, you’ll have the plan to thwart their growth year after year.

And if this seems like quite a commitment, don’t worry: your first consultation with your nearby TruGreen expert is free!

We call this our 14-point lawn analysis, in which our technicians will take the necessary steps to assess the specific needs of your lawn.

So, whether you require treatment for annual meadow grass or want to take the first steps toward getting the lawn of your dreams, find your nearest TruGreen business today or call 0800 021 3074 to find out more.