Grass weeds are a problem because they compete with turfgrass for:
Grass weeds can be annual, completing their lifecycle within one year, or perennial. Annual grass weed is divided into two groups, those which live over the winter months and those which live over the summer months.
The most important annual grass weed to occur during winter is Poa annua or Wintergrass. In summer there are two important annual grass species which occur in turf situations these are Crowsfootgrass (Eleusine indica) and Summergrass, sometimes called Cragbrass (Digitaria sp.).
Turf suffers many perennial grass weeds including Parramattagrass, Paspalum and Wiregrass.
- Growing space
- Water
- Nutrients
- Sunlight
Deal with these weeds also for the following reasons:
- Aesthetics: Turf areas are often a monostand grass species and it’s the uniformly standing grass, which gives these areas aesthetic value. Weed infestations negatively impact on the “the look” of the area.
- Sports surface quality : Many sports played on turf require a quality surface with an even smoothness, particularly ball sports, ranging from soccer and hockey to golf and lawn bowls. Weeds generally have a different growth habit and make the surface uneven.
- Dangerous sports surface: Weeds can be dangerous on sports turf surfaces where traction is important. For example, on football pitches or racetracks.
Grass weeds can be annual, completing their lifecycle within one year, or perennial. Annual grass weed is divided into two groups, those which live over the winter months and those which live over the summer months.
The most important annual grass weed to occur during winter is Poa annua or Wintergrass. In summer there are two important annual grass species which occur in turf situations these are Crowsfootgrass (Eleusine indica) and Summergrass, sometimes called Cragbrass (Digitaria sp.).
Turf suffers many perennial grass weeds including Parramattagrass, Paspalum and Wiregrass.
