Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a common weed that can quickly invade lawns, gardens, and turfgrass areas. Its rapid growth and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a persistent problem for homeowners and landscapers.
Choosing the best herbicide for annual bluegrass is essential to effectively control and eliminate this weed without damaging your desired grass or plants.
This article provides an in-depth review of the 10 best herbicides for annual bluegrass, along with tips for selecting the right product, FAQs, and a professional conclusion to help you make an informed decision.
On This Page Expect To Learn
Tips for Choosing the Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass
- Identify the Infestation: Confirm that the weed is annual bluegrass, as different herbicides target specific weeds.
- Consider the Season: Pre-emergent herbicides are best applied in late summer or early fall to prevent germination, while post-emergent herbicides work during active growth.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the herbicide is safe for your lawn type (e.g., Zoysia, Bermuda, or Fescue).
- Read Labels: Look for active ingredients like glyphosate, prodiamine, or dithiopyr, which are effective against annual bluegrass.
- Environmental Impact: Opt for eco-friendly herbicides to minimize harm to the environment.
- Ease of Application: Choose between liquid and granular formulations based on your preference and lawn size.
- Budget: Compare prices and coverage to find a product that offers the best value.
Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Prodiamine 65 WDG – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass
Prodiamine 65 WDG is a highly effective pre-emergent herbicide that prevents annual bluegrass seeds from germinating. Its active ingredient, prodiamine, creates a barrier in the soil, stopping weed growth before it starts. This granular formulation is easy to apply using a spreader.
The herbicide provides long-lasting protection, with results lasting up to 8 months. It is rainproof within 24 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Prodiamine 65 WDG covers up to 20,000 square feet per bag, making it ideal for large lawns and commercial properties.
For optimal results, apply Prodiamine 65 WDG in late summer or early fall before annual bluegrass seeds germinate. It is safe for most turfgrass types, including Zoysia and Bermuda.
Pros:
- Prevents germination
- Long-lasting protection
- Rainproof in 24 hours
- Granular formula
- Covers 20,000 sq. ft.
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Not for existing weeds
- Requires spreader
- May harm some grass types
2. Tenacity Herbicide – Best Post-Emergent Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass
Tenacity Herbicide is a top-rated post-emergent herbicide that targets annual bluegrass while being safe for many turfgrass types. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits photosynthesis in weeds, causing them to turn white and die. This liquid formulation is easy to mix and apply.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 2 hours, ensuring reliable performance. Tenacity Herbicide covers up to 5,000 square feet per bottle, making it suitable for medium to large lawns.
For best results, apply Tenacity Herbicide during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for many turfgrass types
- Rainproof in 2 hours
- Easy to mix
- Fast results
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Versatile
Cons:
- May bleach grass temporarily
- Requires reapplication
- Higher price point
3. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns – Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass in Zoysia Lawns
Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns is a ready-to-spray herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and other weeds in Zoysia lawns. Its active ingredient, 2,4-D, effectively kills weeds without harming Zoysia grass. This formulation is convenient and easy to use.
The herbicide provides visible results within 3-5 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 3 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns covers up to 5,000 square feet per bottle, making it ideal for medium to large lawns.
For optimal results, apply Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia grass and can be used throughout the growing season.
Pros:
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for Zoysia
- Rainproof in 3 hours
- Ready-to-spray formula
- Fast results
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for all weed types
- May require reapplication
- Strong odor
4. Roundup for Lawns – Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass in Mixed Lawns
Roundup for Lawns is a versatile herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and over 250 other weed types without harming desirable grasses. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, ensures effective weed control. This ready-to-use formula is easy to apply.
The herbicide provides visible results within 5-7 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 30 minutes, ensuring reliable performance. Roundup for Lawns covers up to 3,000 square feet per bottle, making it suitable for small to medium lawns.
For best results, apply Roundup for Lawns during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for mixed lawns
- Rainproof in 30 minutes
- Ready-to-use formula
- Fast results
- Covers 3,000 sq. ft.
- Versatile
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May require reapplication
- Strong chemical odor
5. Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass in Large Lawns
Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer is a granular pre-emergent herbicide that prevents annual bluegrass and other grassy weeds. Its active ingredient, pendimethalin, creates a barrier in the soil to stop weed germination. This formulation is easy to apply using a spreader.
The herbicide provides long-lasting protection, with results lasting up to 4 months. It is rainproof within 24 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Scotts Halts covers up to 10,000 square feet per bag, making it ideal for large lawns.
For optimal results, apply Scotts Halts in late summer or early fall before annual bluegrass seeds germinate. It is safe for most turfgrass types.
Pros:
- Prevents germination
- Long-lasting protection
- Rainproof in 24 hours
- Granular formula
- Covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for existing weeds
- Requires spreader
- May harm some grass types
6. Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer – Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass in Small Lawns
Ortho Weed B Gon is a specialized herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and other tough weeds in small lawns. Its active ingredient, triclopyr, effectively kills weeds without harming desirable grasses. This ready-to-spray formula is easy to use.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 6 hours, ensuring reliable performance. Ortho Weed B Gon covers up to 5,000 square feet per bottle, making it suitable for small to medium lawns.
For best results, apply Ortho Weed B Gon during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for small lawns
- Rainproof in 6 hours
- Ready-to-spray formula
- Fast results
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not for all weed types
- May require reapplication
- Strong odor
7. Bayer Advanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer – Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass and Crabgrass
Bayer Advanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer is a powerful herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and crabgrass. Its active ingredients, 2,4-D and quinclorac, ensure comprehensive weed control. This ready-to-spray formula is easy to use.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 2 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Bayer Advanced All-in-One covers up to 5,000 square feet per bottle, making it ideal for medium to large lawns.
For optimal results, apply Bayer Advanced All-in-One during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Kills annual bluegrass and crabgrass
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Rainproof in 2 hours
- Ready-to-spray formula
- Fast results
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Comprehensive weed control
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May require reapplication
- Strong chemical odor
8. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer – Best Budget Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is an affordable herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and other broadleaf weeds. Its active ingredient, 2,4-D, effectively kills weeds without harming desirable grasses. This liquid concentrate is easy to mix and apply.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 4 hours, ensuring reliable performance. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D covers up to 6,000 square feet per bottle, making it ideal for large lawns.
For best results, apply Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Rainproof in 4 hours
- Covers 6,000 sq. ft.
- Easy to mix
- Fast results
Cons:
- Requires mixing
- Strong odor
- Not for all weed types
9. Image All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer – Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass in Stubborn Infestations
Image All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer is a potent herbicide designed to eliminate stubborn annual bluegrass infestations. Its active ingredient, imazaquin, targets weeds without harming desirable grasses. This ready-to-spray formula is easy to use.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 2 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Image All-in-One covers up to 5,000 square feet per bottle, making it suitable for medium to large lawns.
For optimal results, apply Image All-in-One during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Kills stubborn annual bluegrass
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Rainproof in 2 hours
- Ready-to-spray formula
- Fast results
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Higher price point
- May require reapplication
- Strong chemical odor
10. Gordon’s Trimec Lawn Weed Killer – Best Professional-Grade Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass
Gordon’s Trimec Lawn Weed Killer is a professional-grade herbicide that targets annual bluegrass and other broadleaf weeds. Its active ingredients, 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba, ensure comprehensive weed control. This liquid concentrate is easy to mix and apply.
The herbicide provides visible results within 7-10 days, with complete weed elimination. It is rainproof within 4 hours, ensuring consistent performance. Gordon’s Trimec covers up to 10,000 square feet per bottle, making it ideal for large lawns.
For best results, apply Gordon’s Trimec during the early stages of annual bluegrass growth. It is safe for Zoysia, Bermuda, and Fescue lawns.
Pros:
- Professional-grade
- Kills annual bluegrass
- Safe for most turfgrass
- Rainproof in 4 hours
- Covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- Easy to mix
- Fast results
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires mixing
- Strong chemical odor
Best Herbicide for Annual Bluegrass FAQs
- Can I use any herbicide on annual bluegrass?
No, always choose herbicides labeled as effective against annual bluegrass and safe for your lawn type. - When is the best time to apply herbicide for annual bluegrass?
Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late summer or early fall and post-emergent herbicides during active growth. - How often should I apply herbicide for annual bluegrass?
Follow the product label instructions, but most herbicides require reapplication every 4-6 weeks. - Can herbicides harm my lawn?
Some herbicides can harm desirable grasses if not used correctly. Always read the label and follow instructions. - What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, while post-emergent herbicides kill existing weeds. - Are organic herbicides effective for annual bluegrass?
Yes, but they may require more frequent applications compared to synthetic herbicides. - Can I mix herbicides with fertilizers?
Yes, some products combine herbicides and fertilizers for convenience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best herbicide for annual bluegrass is essential for maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn. After reviewing the top 10 products, Prodiamine 65 WDG stands out as the best pre-emergent herbicide for preventing annual bluegrass, while Tenacity Herbicide is the top post-emergent option for killing existing weeds.
Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly solution.
By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can effectively control annual bluegrass and enjoy a lush, vibrant lawn. Invest in the right product, apply it correctly, and say goodbye to this persistent weed for good
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