Tenacity is the product we are using to control the Poa annua we have throughout the course, this product works by removing the chlorophyll within the plant essentially starving the plant and causing it to turn whitish in color and die.
We began a heavy fertilization program simultaneous to the spraying of Tenacity. The purpose of this was to encourage the Kentucky Bluegrass to fill in the voids where the Poa annua will die. We will sod areas where the Kentucky Bluegrass does not effectively fill in. Our fairways with the most Poa annua are holes 13, 14 and 15.
Having looked at these areas again recently, I have found some Kentucky bluegrass that will hopefully fill in with additional fertilization. I am anticipating that the need to sod will be limited to a very few areas on the course. If sodding is needed, it will be on the above-mentioned holes as well as on some of our green approaches where we have some bentgrass that is dying.
With the death of the Poa annua, there will be voids in the turf until it fills in. Until this occurs, golfers will play lift, clean, and place.
In the upcoming weeks, we will begin making Tenacity applications to the tee boxes and to a 36” swath around all the greens. The last application will take place sometime in September to these areas. Just like the fairways and green approaches, you will again see a yellow discoloration to the grass.
If there are any further questions that I have not covered concerning our Poa annua removal process please do not hesitate to contact me.
