Annual ryegrass is often found in lower quality seed mixes.  It was originally thought to be a good “nurse crop” because of its rapid establishment.  Unfortunately, it is very coarse textured and tends to grow faster than the desirable turf.  So, the wide blades shoot up rather quickly between mowings, adding to the poor uniformity of the turf stand.  All this would be tolerable, in most circumstances, if annual ryegrass would hold true to its name and die off rather than persisting in newly seeded or overseeded lawns.

Harsh winters or hot summers are required to push annual ryegrass out of the turf stand.  Until the weather removes the annual ryegrass, the turf area may require additional mowing to help reduce the poor uniformity caused by this quick growing, wide-bladed weed.  The best form of control is to avoid seed mixes containing annual ryegrass.