Identification help - new grass or weed?
#1
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Identification help - new grass or weed?
HI all - looking for some ID help. I tilled and seeded a portion of our yard using URI #2 12 days ago. Getting decent germination, but overnight I noted some plant started growing quite aggressively (much taller than the surrounding seedlings). I can't tell if this is the bluegrass or a weed of some sort (lots of crab grass in tilled areas). Wanted to get some opinions before I take to pulling it out.
If it's helpful, I'm in RI - soil in the tilled areas is mostly hard clay - I tilled to ~6 inches and mixed with some topsoil to encourage water absorption. It's been fairly warm over the past couple of weeks. Seeded areas have been kept very moist - it rained a bit yesterday and was very damp this am.
If it's helpful, I'm in RI - soil in the tilled areas is mostly hard clay - I tilled to ~6 inches and mixed with some topsoil to encourage water absorption. It's been fairly warm over the past couple of weeks. Seeded areas have been kept very moist - it rained a bit yesterday and was very damp this am.
#2
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You applied a seed blend so it is normal to see different types of grass. According to the internet you planted:
40% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Baron Kentucky Bluegrass
20% Kentucky Bluegrass 98
20% Nobility Perennial Ryegrass
40% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Baron Kentucky Bluegrass
20% Kentucky Bluegrass 98
20% Nobility Perennial Ryegrass
#4
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If you planted 12 days ago, this is very unlikely to be bluegrass, as it typically takes longer to germinate.
#5
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If is difficult to identify newly emerged grass as they all look similar when they first emerge. Once they start setting true leaves like the bigger ones in your photo you can more reliably identify. You can search online for each of your grasses or for grass identification. They should lead you through the identifying characteristics for that variety. It comes down to the finer details of the plant; like ridges/grooving on the leaves, width of the leaves, how the leaf attaches to the stem, how the leaves branch off...
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I mis-caclulated a bit- actually put seed down 19 (now 20) days ago. Whatever this is it's coming up in spots over two separate sections I tilled and seeded, so hopefully it was part of the seed mix. I tried keying out what it was, but as Pilot said, it's tough with new leaves. I'll let it go a bit and see what happens. There seems to be a bunch of later-germinating seedlings ready to pop through, so I'll see what that brings.
#7
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If you've planted a seed blend I don't like the idea of pulling out different looking plants unless they are obviously weeds. You planted a mix with four varieties and if you start pulling out one type you've got to wonder why you planted a blend in the first place. The nice thing about a blend is each variety has it's own strengths and weaknesses. If you let it go it will adjust itself to your location and growing conditions. Your conditions may favor one or two varieties that over time will crowd out those that don't like your yard so much. If you pull out one type too soon you loose some of that adaptability in the blend you planted.
But, I do understand if you want to remove some after a while. I have a small section of highly maintained grass that was started from sod which was a blend. There was about 10% of one grass that grew much taller than the rest. 90% didn't need mowing but that 10% that shot up higher made it look like it needed mowing every 2 or 3 days. So, every time I was out I'd pull a few off the offending oddballs and now I have a lawn that grows at a uniform rate so even when it's a bit long it still looks good.
But, I do understand if you want to remove some after a while. I have a small section of highly maintained grass that was started from sod which was a blend. There was about 10% of one grass that grew much taller than the rest. 90% didn't need mowing but that 10% that shot up higher made it look like it needed mowing every 2 or 3 days. So, every time I was out I'd pull a few off the offending oddballs and now I have a lawn that grows at a uniform rate so even when it's a bit long it still looks good.
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So perhaps I should clarify - I would only want to pull out plants if they are weeds (crabgrass, etc). If what is growing in those pictures is part of the blend, that's great - I was just curious if I might be looking at some sort of weed that was in the soil and germinated given the wet week and warm temps.
I think I'll just let it come up and see what it looks like. I could always intervene in the spring if necessary.
I think I'll just let it come up and see what it looks like. I could always intervene in the spring if necessary.
#9
You planted a mix with four varieties
Don't sweat it, your at the start of 3-4 years of nurturing that yard to become thick and lush, lots of time to tackle the weeds that will show up!