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How to remove annual ryegrass from a newly established Elfin tall fescue lawn in NZ
Hi Everyone. I recently planted elfin tall fescue onto bare soil in Cambridge. I had killed all the old grass with roundup before sowing the ETF.
The ETF has grown fairly well, however I also have alot of what looks like annual rye growing as well. I have googled, and it suggests mowing regularly so the rye cant drop seeds. By doing irregular deep waters the rye will die off in summer and the ETF should remain strong.
Has anyone got any other experiences, or further advice they can add?
Thank you
I don’t think that’s ryegrass coming through at all. I suspect it’s another type of grassy weed.
Ideally, you should have applied Meso at the time of seeding to help prevent this sort of weed pressure.
At this stage, I’d look at a post-emergent application of Meso and Etho combined and hope for the best.
You’ll need to wait until the new tall fescue has had at least two mows before considering Meso, as it can damage young seedlings.
I genuinely don’t think it’s perennial ryegrass. My suspicion is that it’s another type of grassy weed, which may be much easier to deal with. If it is ryegrass then there isn’t any good news to offer.
@Jeremy Row thank you Mate. Unfortunately I didn't apply meso when seeding. Ordered some now though so will give it a try after a couple more mows.
@David Stutz The purple or reddish-purple base (near the crown or lower stem/sheath) is one of the quickest and most reliable field markers for identifying ryegrass. Give it a google you’ll see what I mean and how to check.
@Jeremy Row @David Stutz For post-emergent applications it’s best to keep Meso and any Etho applications separate, particularly on Tall Fescue lawns
Thank you guys for the advice. I have done a few other checks and looks like it may be crabgrass. I have purchased some meso. I will do a second mow on Friday, and then apply the meso on Sunday afternoon. Im also looking to apply some new seed to the bare/lighter spots so I will apply that sunday with a light scattering of topsoil before spraying the meso. From what I understand I can water the bare spots/ new seed area following the meso spray, but need to keep water off the main grass area for 24 hours.