Seedheads in lawns are a natural process that can’t be avoided, but keeping your mower blade sharp and applying fertilizer will keep the lawn healthy and looking good.
The cool season turfgrasses growing in Michigan have been in full-blown seedhead production mode in the last week. The common lawn grasses, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue all produce seedheads as do some grassy weeds like annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Seedhead production requires energy from the plant, so it is likely the turf will not only look stemmy due to the seed stalks, but the turfgrass may even thin out.
Seedheads in turf. Photo credit: Kevin Frank, MSU
Michigan State University Extension says to consider a fertilizer application following the seedhead flush to help the turf recover, especially if you haven’t fertilized yet this spring or fertilized back in April. Keep the mower blade sharp and don't lower the mowing height to try and remove seedheads. Annual bluegrass produces seedheads below the 1/8-inch mowing height on golf course putting greens, so lowering the mowing height is not going to solve the seedhead problem.
For those that think the lawn is going to be reseeded by the natural seedhead production, think again. Even if the seed was allowed to reach maturity, which would take about four months, allowed to dry, and then harvested, you’d still need to make sure that seed would find a home in the soil in order to germinate. If you need to fill in some areas in your lawn, it’ll be easier and more effective to go buy some seed.
Dr. Frank's work is funded in part by MSU's AgBioResearch.
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FAQs
A seed head is a normal part of the grass life cycle that occurs each spring in our area. All grasses produce seed heads at some point throughout the growing season, it's the plants way to reproduce and ensure survival. Seed heads can be different in shape and size depending on the grass species.
Why is my grass producing seed heads? ›
If there are seed heads in your lawn, that means that it's very healthy and your grass is doing what it's meant to do. Similar to any other plant, grass has to grow a flower and drop the seeds, which fall into the soil and grow new grass.
Should I mow grass seed heads? ›
The seed heads will still develop despite frequent mowing. However, you should NOT lower the mowing height in an attempt to remove all of them as they are a short-lived aesthetic problem; they do not cause long-term damage to turf plants.
Is it bad to let your grass go to seed? ›
When you let your grass go to seed, you're actually letting weeds grow, eliminating any control you had over them. Mowing frequently cuts the weeds down and weakens them in their ability to grow back.
How long do grass seed heads last? ›
Seed head production normally lasts for a period of 2-4 weeks. As mentioned previously, many homeowners commonly mistake seed heads for weeds but no need to worry, they're just a part of the grass life cycle.
What to do with seed heads? ›
You might be tempted to pick up your secateurs and trim these but try to resist. Winter seed heads provide precious food for birds and other wildlife when pickings are thin. They also look fabulous covered in frost, adding interest to a border when not much is growing.
What type of grass has seed heads? ›
Seed heads are most likely to be perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or tall fescue. Rough bluegrass and annual bluegrass, two common lawn weeds, produce seed heads in the spring. Warm-season grasses may also produce seed heads, but do so in the summer, and their seed heads are not difficult to mow.
What does seedhead mean? ›
(ˈsiːdhɛd ) noun. a seed-containing part of some plants that develops after flowering or fruiting.
Can you eat grass seed heads? ›
Sprouted grass seeds can be a good food source as well. Edible grasses include Bent, Wheat, Slough, Brome, Crab, Switch, Canary, Timothy, Blue, and Bristle grasses. You can make grasses into a juice by grinding them up, but don't swallow the fiber. Chewing immature seed heads can be beneficial as well.
How do you harvest grass seed heads? ›
Hold the base of the inflorescence (the flowering portion of your grass that extends from the stem) with one hand. Using your other hand, slide your thumb and index finger upward to the top of the plant, gently squeezing as you go. Seeds will accumulate at the top of your fingers.
In most cases, if you are simply adding seed to a thinning lawn it is not necessary to rake in the grass seed. If you are seeding a new lawn or there are bare spots, then you will need to rake in the seeds.
Why does my lawn have seed heads? ›
During late spring to early summer it's not uncommon for grass seed heads to pop up in your turf. Flowering and seeding are a natural part of a plant life cycle and a smart survival mechanism of your lawn in response to sudden changes in temperature, wind and rain that can be experienced during this time of year.
Will grass reseed itself if you let it grow? ›
It is the natural process for grass to reproduce itself. As unsightly as it may look, there is no real way to prevent the grass from going to seed during this time. Grass going to seed is a good sign the plant is actually healthy and growing well. Don't fret, you don't need to replace your lawn.
Why does my bermuda grass have seed heads? ›
As widespread as Bermuda seeding is right now, it is likely a result of overwatering (too much rain!) and temperature fluctuations. In other words, there is nothing you can do about it. Just keep mowing it every week and it will eventually correct itself.
How do I get rid of grass that looks like wheat? ›
Seed heads are generally challenging to cut cleanly, and only super sharp mower blades can do a neat job. Hence, ensure the mower blades are sharp before you work on your lawn. We also recommend maintaining a height of 3 to 3½ inches for mower blades to eliminate the seed heads.
Are fescue seed heads bad? ›
One of the first things people think when they spot seed heads on their grass is that something is wrong. People often wonder if the seeds are there because of weeds or are concerned for the health of their turf. Well, we're here to tell you that nothing is actually wrong.
What are the little balls in my grass? ›
Good news- you've got worms… in your lawn. Those odd little mudballs are the biproduct of Earthworms. Their castings are mounds of digested organic matter.
Why is my grass budding? ›
Producing flowers and seed heads is part of the normal growth process of just about every plant. Dr. Voigt said that as your grass grows, one way to reduce the amount of flowers and seed heads that are produced is to fertilize the lawn with nitrogen.
