Pain in the Grass: ID tool for weedy grasses
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EmailIdentifying problem grasses in your lawn is the first step to successful management!
While it’s easy to see when a patch of grass doesn’t match the rest, it is not easy to figure out what weedy grass it is. Most plant ID apps are not very helpful, and finding expertise in this area can be challenging. But ultimately, identifying that weedy grass is very important for understanding its life cycle (e.g., annual vs. perennial) and considering well-researched management options for the species. Knowing what grass you are up against can save you time, money, and frustration in your quest for a uniform lawn, but how do we do it?
Good news: Michigan State University has recently developed an interactive tool to help you identify the 11 most common weedy grasses in Michigan lawns. Simply dig up the grass in question and visit the Pain in the Grass: ID tool. Step-by-step instructions are provided on the site. In short, you’ll compare its physical features with the provided diagrams in a series of drop-down menus.
With each selection, the list of the 11 most common grass lawn weeds is narrowed down until you have the identity of the grass in question. Click on the link for that species to see detailed photos and management options.
Many thanks to Brad Everett, Mallory Marienfeld, and Mindy Tape on the joint College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Michigan State University Extension team for making this tool possible!
