My BIL who lives in NJ, near the coast, just sent me this photo and asked if I knew what it could be. I am stumped and hope someone here can tell me what is going on. He says it is not powdery mildew, the blades are just snowy white, devoid of any chlorophyll. He lives in one of those neighborhoods where the community cuts the lawns and apparently the mowers have spread this weed (?) throughout the area.
Anyone have thoughts on what it might be? Thanks

A broadleaf herbicide has been used on the lawn. Kills the broadleaf weeds, doesn't harm the turfgrass. The weed was already there; someone was trying to get rid of it. From the looks of it, the spraying took place some weeks ago. Only the tips of the weeds suffered damage but not enough to kill the emerging growth.

Was anything sprayed on this? It looks like it may have been sprayed with Tenacity, which normally turns the weeds white.

I think it it Japanese Stilt Grass, which is very invasive and can be found all over NJ. Is there a better photo close up? Can they be pulled easily? (Japanese stilt grass can usually be pulled without any resistance)

Thank you and Welcome to the NGA.

I mentioned to my brother in law the possibility that it had been sprayed with a herbicide and he said he thought he
remembered the community spraying some weeks earlier. Perhaps they were spraying for the Stilt Grass. I am going to ask him if it pulls up easily.

Tell him to google "Japanese stilt grass" and confirm that it is indeed the same. If so, the only selective herbicide that will kill it is "Acclaim Xtra" which can be purchased online.

Maybe try Tenacity.

"Foliage of treated weeds cease growth after application of Tenacity Herbicide, then turn white (loss of chlorophyll) and death may take up to three weeks. So, sometime within 3 weeks."

The timing seems in tune with your BIL mentioning spraying a couple weeks earlier. Perhaps he can double check with the community.

to Garden.org and thank you, that sounds about right.

ardesia said: to Garden.org and thank you, that sounds about right.

My pleasure! And thank you