Purple Deadnettle, Henbit, Poa Annua, and the Perfect Timing for Fertilizer Application

Common Lawn Weeds In Northern Alabama

Maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn can be challenging, especially when contending with common weeds like purple deadnettle, henbit, and the persistent growth of Poa annua grass. However, understanding these plants' life cycles and growth patterns, along with the optimal timing for fertilizer application, can give homeowners an edge in achieving a green and healthy lawn.

Purple Deadnettle and Henbit

Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) are cool-season annual weeds that often invade lawns and garden beds. They belong to the same family and share similar characteristics, making them difficult to distinguish from one another. 

Both purple deadnettle and henbit have square stems with opposite leaves and produce vibrant purple flowers in early spring. They thrive in moist and fertile soil, and their growth is particularly noticeable during the cooler months. These weeds can quickly spread and crowd out desirable grass species, leading to an unsightly lawn if left unchecked.

Poa Annua

Poa annua, commonly known as annual bluegrass, is a cool-season grass species that frequently infests lawns. Despite its name, it behaves more like a weed due to its aggressive growth habit and undesirable qualities. Annual bluegrass forms dense clumps, germinating in fall or early winter and maturing rapidly in spring.

One of the challenges with Poa annua is its ability to produce copious amounts of seeds that germinate easily. These seeds can remain dormant in the soil for years, making it difficult to eradicate the grass from the lawn entirely. Its light green color and contrasting texture compared to other grass species can detract from the overall appearance of a well-maintained lawn.

The Perfect Time for Fertilizer Application 

Timing plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results when it comes to fertilizing your lawn. The ideal time to begin fertilizing is during the early spring, just before the purple deadnettle, henbit, and Poa annua start their rapid growth phase.

Early spring fertilization provides several benefits. It promotes vigorous growth and helps the desirable grass species outcompete weeds. Additionally, it replenishes nutrients that may have been depleted during winter, giving the lawn a healthy head start.

Choose a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer for your lawn, as these types provide a steady and consistent nutrient supply over an extended period. Slow-release fertilizers ensure the grass receives the necessary nutrients gradually, reducing the risk of over-fertilization or nutrient runoff.

Follow the recommended application rates provided by the fertilizer manufacturer and evenly distribute the granules using a broadcast or drop spreader. Be sure to water the lawn after fertilization to activate the nutrients and prevent the burning of the grass blades.

To green up your lawn, consider applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring. Nitrogen is responsible for promoting lush, green growth, and it helps the grass recover from winter dormancy. However, be cautious not to overapply nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive top growth, making the lawn more susceptible to disease and stress.

Understanding the growth patterns and characteristics of weeds like purple deadnettle, henbit, and Poa annua is essential for effective lawn care. Defense Pest Solutions can help. Contact us today.