Seedheads Developing on Cool Season Grasses

Lawn-lovers may get worried when they see little seedheads covering the tops of their lawns, usually starting around the middle of May when sunlight reaches 12 hours a day. No need to worry. It is a natural process for grass to produce seed, and fertilization and proper mowing practices will help keep the lawn healthy.

The seedheads are forming on tiny stalks that the grass plant sends up. Depending on its abundance, the seedheads can make the lawn look pale. Once the stalks are mowed, which don’t cut as easily as grass blades, they may shred and give the lawn an almost white appearance.

Seedhead development usually occurs on cool season grasses such as Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue during this time of year. Annual bluegrass (Poa Annua) produce seedheads earlier in the spring and sometimes in the fall.

Tips For Lawns Forming Seedheads

• Continue mowing at 2½ to 3 inches.
• Mow more frequently.
• Be sure to keep a sharp mower blade.
• Mow high. It is not recommended to lower the mower blade in an attempt to remove or reduce seedheads. It takes extra energy to produce them, so your lawn may look a little pale for a couple of weeks, but it will recover. The old seed stalks will break off and will decompose into the lawn. Unless the seedheads can ripen for about 4 months, the seed will not germinate in the lawn (or if you compost your clippings, in your compost pile).
• Be sure to continue your fertilization program and provide your lawn with an inch of water per week as we move into the warm summer months.

Keep in mind that seedhead development is a natural process, but with proper lawn care practices you can minimize their impact. If you have any questions, contact your local neighborhood lawn care professional at Spring Green.