Who doesn’t adore a lawn that beckons with dewy, fresh green grass? We all love a piece of nature to enjoy at home, but often step into the backyard only to find the grass that looks like wheat than lush green.
It is common to find wild grass that looks like wheat in neglected pieces of land and lawns, but why does my grass look like wheat? If you struggle with lawn care problems, especially regarding your grass carpet, then keep reading below. The details below will answer your questions about why my lawn looks like wheat and others.
Grass that Looks like Wheat- What Really Happens
If you consult a Lawn Service Cumming they’ll tell you that the stalks of seeds you see are a very natural part of your grass’ life cycle. Most importantly, they’re not wheat but indeed seed stalks that take on the appearance of wheat.
We refer to them as seed heads more appropriately, and in most cases, they commonly appear in the spring season. These wheat-like seed heads typically appear when your lawn grass has exhausted all its energy into seed production.
Because of utilizing all of its energy, the grass blades became lighter in color than the vibrant green they should be. In the spring season, it is common for grass species like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue to develop seed heads.
The good news is that these seed heads generally stay for a short period. Although largely determined by the grass type, the seed heads last for only two to four weeks. So if the stemmy, seedy, or wheat-like look bothers you, you only have to bear it patiently for a few weeks.
The reproduction cycle of grass depends upon seeds. For the grass plant to survive, it must produce more seeds. Grass commonly produces more seeds if the yard is under stress. Hence, if you find many seed heads appearing, it is a sure sign that your soil is quite dry and needs moisture.
How to Control the Appearance of Wheat-like Grass?
1. Water Your Lawn Generously
Do you frequently spot tall grass like wheat in your backyard or lawn? Then it could be your soil’s way of telling you that it is parched dry and needs plenty of water. Seed heads appear more frequently and in larger numbers, if the lawn is stressed and the soil is too dry.
The fact is that the spring season combined with active seed production makes for parched grass. At this time, your lawn may be begging for more water, but you may not notice it. Hence, as the next spring rolls by, be aware that your lawn’s watering requirements may be higher than usual.
This season, giving your lawn about 1 to 1½ inches of water every week would be great. For the best results, lawn experts suggest watering the grass between midnight to 6 am. Doing so will facilitate the grass growing faster and the seed heads to grow out too.
2. Fertilizer
So what happens to your grass when you fertilize? Lawn owners often have this question, especially if they are only new to lawn-keeping.
The truth is that fertilizers are food for your grass, and if you use them per the directions on your lawn, you’ll never have unhealthy grass. Like other living things, lawns need to be fed to prosper and thrive.
This is especially true for your lawn in the spring when it can significantly benefit from feed and weed fertilizers. If not fertilizers, you can opt for the numerous market lawn food products, which are specially designed to apply in spring.
The health of your grass will also determine how many seed heads will grow and make it look like wheat. The healthier your grass, the lesser the appearance and duration of seed heads!
3. Regular Mowing
Mowing is just as vital to lawns as grooming is for human beings. You wouldn’t look too attractive if you allowed your hair to grow wildly, unruly and unkempt. Similarly, allowing your lawn’s seed heads to grow unrestricted is not good.
It is essential to trim the heads of the seeds frequently, although, mind you, it will be a tricky task. 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. If you allow a height lower than this, your grass plants may be in potential danger.
You never know when the mower blades may chop off life-giving components of your grass plants.
Are Grassy Weeds a Problem?
Since lawn care requires a significant amount of time and energy, leaving seed heads as they are often tempting, despite noticing them. Often, lawn owners wonder if they should panic at the sight of weeds growing unrestrained on their lawn.
It is common for weeds to grow even taller than lawn grass. At the very least, if you allow the grassy weeds to grow, you will likely see more uneven tuffs in your backyard. This will mean more mowing work for you ultimately.
Seed heads have a rough texture and easily entangle in pet furs, irritate the skin, and rob you of a luxurious lawn. Why not get rid of the seed heads and enjoy the luxury of walking barefoot every morning on your immaculate lawn?
Final Thoughts
Seed heads are the common reason your lawn often sports grass patches that look like wheat. They’re not wheat but only seed heads that smartly resemble it. Seed heads appear too frequently on lawns, signifying a stressed yard and dry soil.
Regular mowing, good quality fertilizers, and giving the lawn sufficient watering help maintain a plush, green and vibrant lawn.
