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Poa annua seeds in the spring as you've seen, then germinates in the late summer. Therefore, a pre-m needs to be applied in August to be effective against Poa A.

Thanks yardtractor. So it doesn't matter which Pre Em I should use? Will Tenacity take care of the problem or should I go with Barricade?

I haven't noticed any difference between dithiopyr or prodiamine effectiveness as I've used both in alternate years. Both seem to work pretty well. Ymmv. You should get opinions from others on that (post that question on the regular lawn forum or talk to a reputable feed and seed store rep.) I haven't been impressed with granular mesotrione (the AI in Tenacity) It just doesn't work nearly as well as spray application on bare soil (which gets good results), but you can't get the spray into the soil when the turf canopy is in the way.

P.S. Looking at your picture. I'd ask the neighbor what they are using as it appears there is a distinct lack of poa in their lawn defined at the property line. or am I mistaken?

This post was edited by yardtractor1 on Thu, May 15, 14 at 15:51

Any plant poison that will kill Poa annua, annual blue grass, will also kill off the more desirable grasses. This is a cold weather grass and the seeds germinate in the fall and the plants grow in the winter so a pre emergent, such as Corn Gluten Meal, should be spread in early August to prevent the seeds from gaining a foot hold in the lawn.

"Any plant poison that will kill Poa annua, annual blue grass, will also kill off the more desirable grasses."

Dithiopyr, prodiamine and mesotrione in granular form have little if any affect on established cool season grass. They do interfere with seedling establishment of nearly all grasses, both undesirable/weed or or desirable/turf type grasses.

Mesotrione in liquid form (Tenacity) must be carefully applied or it can kill the turf along with the poa annua.

More accurately: SOME plant poison that will kill Poa annua, annual blue grass, MAY also kill off the more desirable grasses. Round-Up comes to mind.

I missed your question about soil testing. Logan Labs in Ohio does a very comprehensive test at a reasonable cost. For an additional fee they do analysis with recommendations for improving the soil. I've been very satisfied with them.

@yardtractor, the property line had new sod placed a couple of years ago so that is why there isn't much poa on his side of the grass. I'll try the granular chemical to see if it will take care of the pos. Any idea of when I should put it down maybe late August early September?
Thanks for the info regarding the lab test from Logan labs. I'll look them up.

@kimmsr, I did put down some corn gluten meal about a month ago but I guess I didn't put enough or I missed the cut off time. I'll add again in earlier spring and instead of 8lbs I'll add 12lbs

Dithiopyr and prodiamine are effective for about 90 days and I believe granular mesotrione is good for only 6 weeks. I would suggest you put dithiopyr or prodiamine down by August 1st or even slightly before to insure you catch poa germination. I can't recommend the use of the granular meso--too short a period of protection and I can't attest to its effectiveness.

Good luck.

Dithiopyr, prodiamine, and mesotrione are synthetic, man made, products that should not be discussed on an organic forum. Suggesting the use of says that person is not an organic grower.
Annual Bluegrass germinates in the fall, mostly, although some spring germination has been observed so if the Corn Gluten Meal was put down in April the Annual Bluegrass was already germinated and the CGM will have no affect on it, although it will supply some Nitrogen to the grass.

@Kimmsr, after reading your reply I decided not to go with a chemical on my organic lawn. I just bagged my clippings and discarded. I did find a weed preventer on Amazon that is organic.

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ATKQX66/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER.

I believe weeds germinate in the spring and also in the fall if I read correctly on this forum. I put this organic weed preventer down on August 12th and hopefully it'll suppress the Poa for fall germination. So far my lawn greened up nicely and I have had no sign of Poa. I will reapply in the Spring.

Thanks for keeping me on the organic path.

An organic lawn is not a monoculture. It should include a diverse community of endemic "climax" grasses and forbs. In most cool season lawns this includes poa. Poa is not an enemy!

Now if your lawn is all poa, then you have issues (probably excessive wear&tear), but the picture of your lawn looks fantastic. Focus on the basics: mowing, irrigation, and fertility. Take a deep breath and relax. Think of your lawn as a shimmering tapestry, a culture on a petri dish...

If you would prefer creeping bentgrass over poa, then acidify your soil with a sulfur amendment. These two grasses battle each other in this pH way.

-B