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(1) Unwanted grass (2) azalea disease #752409

Asked May 26, 2021, 7:28 PM EDT

1. Last fall I killed off a patch of creeping bent grass in my lawn and reseeded the area with a kentucky blue grass seed variety I purchased from Copley Feed. The new growth includes broad bladed grass with tubular stems as you can see in the two pictures. Is this actually a grass, or is it a grassy weed? And, if it is a grassy weed, can I control it with a product without killing all of the growth? 2. I have growth on the bark on some of my azaleas (see photo). From what I've read, this is not a fungus but insects. Can you recommend a treatment that wil address this problem at this time of year? Thank you for your help

Summit County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi William,

I am unable to identify the grass in your photo with any certainty. After reviewing images of a variety of grasses, yours seems similar to both perennial ryegrass and KBG. If you purchased one of the seed mixes listed on Copley's site, even those with high percentages of KBG contain both perennial ryegrass and fescue. I would check with Copley before taking any action. You might also contact your local OSU Extension Office <personal data hidden>
<personal data hidden>] and ask if they can assist with identification. 

As to controlling grass/grassy weeds in the lawn, here are a couple of links with more info about lawn maintenance and repair.

https://www.agry.purdue.edu/turfnew/pubs/AY-11.pdf

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74113.html

The growth on your azalea is lichen - not an insect, but the result of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae. Lichen do not damage their host except in rare and extreme circumstances. In fact, the appearance of lichen on trees and shrubs is often an indication that the host plant is already in distress due to other factors such as age, uneven moisture, lack of nutrients, etc. Azaleas become attractive hosts when they are planted in the sun and/or their leaves thin and let more light into the branches. Controlling lichen is not necessary to maintain plant health, but if the appearance is unaesthetic, they can be physically removed by simply scraping them away. 

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/landscaping/lichens-on-woody-trees-and-shrubs/

https://extension.psu.edu/lichen-in-the-garden

I hope this information is helpful.

Cindy B Replied May 31, 2021, 11:56 PM EDT

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