Are seed heads affecting the lawn?

Understanding the Role of Seed Heads on Your Lawn

Are your clients’ lawns appearing “fuzzy” as summer emerges?

Are you noticing scattered patches of seed heads in their otherwise healthy grass?

If you answered affirmatively to these queries, it’s likely that seed heads are sprouting within the lawn.

Also known as meadow grass and POA, the seed heads are almost inevitable in any real grass lawn but many of our customers aren’t aware of this fact and worry they have purchased poor turf – your customers may be reporting the same to you.

All is not lost when it comes to POA though, there are things that can be done to keep them at bay as much as possible.

Background information:

All grass varieties used for lawns in the UK naturally generate seed heads as part of their reproductive cycle. Seed heads, the carriers of seeds, emerge from the grass during spring, protruding above the blades.

While some grass types only develop seed heads on taller stems (ranging from 100 to 250mm), rendering them invisible after mowing, others, such as bentgrass and certain ryegrasses, produce seed heads on shorter stems (as little as 50mm), visible even after mowing due to their resilient, fibrous stems.

Seed head formation and duration:

The timing and duration of seed head formation vary across grass species but typically persist for several weeks to a month. Subsequently, grass growth resumes, resulting in a tidier appearance after mowing. However, a prevalent grass weed, Annual Meadow Grass, persists in seed head production throughout much of the year.

Turf management during seed head formation:

Regular mowing with a sharp blade is key. Adequate fertilisation encourages rapid growth, facilitating a transition out of the seed head phase and promoting easier mowing. Avoid lowering the mower height. If feasible, manually remove weed grasses, ensuring complete extraction, including the roots.

Additional insights:

Seed head occurrence is a natural phenomenon in all turfgrass species, yet prudent management practices can mitigate their impact. Notably, the weed Annual Meadow Grass may exacerbate seed head proliferation, influenced by seasonal variations, site-specific growth conditions, and maintenance routines. Opting for high-quality turf and fertiliser can help reduce the prevalence of this undesired grass type.

Call us for assistance if you have any questions – it’s something we have a great deal of experience in and have all sorts of products and tips to keep your turf looking great.