Weed Control Tips

Common turf weeds such as Lesser Trefoil can be difficult to control at the best of times. However by following the advice on this page, optimum results can be achieved For gardeners who want a fine turf lawn that is weed free, then selective herbicides will at some point play a role in keeping the lawn free of broadleaved weeds. Although hand weeding is recommended, there comes a point when chemicals have to be used in the fight against weeds, to prevent them taking over the lawn. When you reach this point and are ready to treat the weeds with a selective weed killer, then the advice below will help you get the best results. Choose the correct weed killer There are various weed killers available for weed control, with most of the...

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Doves Foot Cranesbill

Common name: Doves Foot Cranesbill Botanical name: Geranium molle Family: Geraniaceae Life cycle: Annual Habitat: Doves foot cranesbill prefers nutrient deficient, dry, free draining soil and is commonly found on waste areas and grassland. Leaf: The leaves form in a rosette and are round in shape, with each leaf having 5 - 7 lobes. The surface is covered in fine hairs. Flower: The small pink - purple flowers bloom from May to September. Removal & control:  Hand weed individual plants before they become a problem. Doves foot cranesbill is another weed that is difficult to remove with a selective herbicide, fortunately it is not common in managed turf...

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Common Sorrel

Common name: Common Sorrel Botanical name: Rumex acetosa Family: Polygonaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Common sorrel is common in most types of grassland. It will grow in most types of soil but prefers a low pH. It is a member of the 'Dock' family and is sometimes called the 'Garden Sorrel'. Leaf: This weed has long, arrow leaves. Flower: The flowers are borne on long spikes, initially they are a greenish red colour before they turn a purple colour. Removal & control: If the weeds are few in number, then hand weeding my suffice, taking care to remove the root system. Regular mowing will help discourage and eventually remove common sorrel. A difficult weed to control with a selective weed killer. In all most all cases more...

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Procumbent Pearlwort

Common name: Procumbent Pearlwort Botanical name: Sagina procumbens Family: Caryophyllaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Procumbent pearlwort will grow in most types of soil. It is particularly troublesome on turf that has suffered through being mown too short, as it tolerates very close mowing. This weeds forms as a low growing mat. Leaf: The leaves are fine and narrow and they form a tightly knitted mat, often giving a moss like appearance. Flower: Tiny white flowers bourn on short stalks can be seen between may and September. Removal & control: If the plants are few in number then hand weeding can prove successful. Mow the lawn at a sensible height, as pearlwort will take advantage of thin or bare areas caused by very close...

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Yarrow

Common name: Yarrow Botanical name: Achillea millifolium Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Yarrow, sometimes called 'Milfoil' is a very common weed in fine turf. It favours light, dry, sandy soils that are often undernourished. It can be a good indicator that a soil is lacking in nutrients and needs feeding. Yarrow is very resistant to drought. Leaf: The long, narrow leaves are fern like and feathery to touch. If they are rubbed together or crushed, they give off a strong fragrant scent. Flowers: The white coloured flowers are borne in clusters. They are commonly seen between July and October. Removal & control: Yarrow is a difficult weed to control, both culturally and with chemicals. Hand weeding may only be...

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Bristly Ox Tongue

Common name: Bristly Ox Tongue Botanical name: Picris echioides Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Annual or Biennial Habitat: Bristly ox tongue is very common on waste areas, grassland and occasionally on lawns. In turf it forms as a lowing growing rosette type weed and will grow in most types of soil. Leaf: The narrow lanceolate leaves are covered in swollen pimples of bristles (hence the name of this plant). Flower: Bristly ox tongue produces multiple dandelion like flowers. The yellow flowers can be seen between June and September. Removal & control: Individual plants can be removed by hand. Encourage a healthy lawn with adequate feeding and good lawn care practices. A selective weed killer can be used, however a second treatment...

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Smooth Hawksbeard

Common name: Smooth Hawksbeard Botanical name: Crepis capillaris Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Annual Habitat: Smooth hawksbeard is often found on roadsides, waste areas and grassy land. This rosette type plant will grow in most types of soil but prefers dry sites, especially on coastal sites. Leaf: Dandelion type leaf that is long, narrow and heavily toothed. Flowers: The yellow flowers are bourne on branched stems and cane be seen between June and September. Removal & control: Hand weed taking great care to remove the whole plant including the long taproot. If the infestation is severe then a selective weed killer may be needed for control. More than one application may be needed for effective contro...

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Autumn Hawkbit

Common name: Autumn Hawkbit Botanical name: Leontodon autumnalis Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: This weed forms as a low growing, rosette type plant in the base of the turf. It will grow in most types of soil but it prefers moist conditions. Leaf: The leaves are dark green, narrow with visibly pointed lobes. Similar in appearance to the dandelion but narrower. Flowers: Typical yellow dandelion like flowers are bourne in clusters on branched stalks. The flowers bloom between June and October. Removal & control: Autumn hawkbit can be removed via hand, taking care to remove the deep taproot. Promote a thick coverage of turf with regular feeding to help suppress weeds from encroaching. This weed can be treated...

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Cats Ear

Common name: Cats Ear Botanical name: Hypochaeris radicata Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Cats ear will grow in a range of conditions, but it prefers sandy free draining soils. It forms as a low growing rosette on lawns and will withstand close mowing. Leaf: The long, oblong leaves are covered in fine hairs and have rounded edges which resemble the ears of a cat. Flower: The yellow flowers are smaller than those of the dandelion, they are bourne on long stalks with each plant having several flowers. They bloom from May to September. Removal & control: Individual plants can be removed by hand, taking great care to remove the whole plant. If you go with a selective weedkiller then more than one application may...

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Dandelion

Common name: Dandelion Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale Family: Asteraceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Dandelions will grow in almost all conditions, however they prefer nutrient rich soils with an alkaline pH. It is another weed that can adapt to the mowing conditions, making it a major nuisance in all types of grassland and turf. Leaf: The long, oblong leaves gradually narrow from the tip to the base. The edges of the leaves are deeply toothed, with jagged edges. They form as a basal rosette, which smothers and eventually kills the grass beneath them Flower: The dandelion has a very distinct yellow flower which can be seen between March and November. The flowers eventually turn into seed heads, producing hundreds of seeds...

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Scarlet Pimpernel

Common name: Scarlet Pimpernel Botanical name: Anagallis arvensis Family: Primulaceae Life cycle: Annual Habitat: Scarlet pimpernel is rarely a troublesome weed in managed lawns, it is more commonly found on road sides, waste areas, cultivated land and grassy areas. Leaf: The leaf is very similar in appearance to those of common chickweed and some times the two weeds can be confused with each other for this reason. The leaves are stalk less, oval in shape, often with pointed tips. Flower: Scarlet pimpernel has five distinct red-orange petals which can be seen during June to August. Removal & control: This weed would find it difficult to survive on a well manged lawn, it is more troublesome on utility lawns that are neglected...

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Mouse-ear Chickweed

Common name: Mouse-ear Chickweed Botanical name: Cerastium vulgatum Family: Caryophyllaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Mouse-ear Chickweed can grow on all types of soil. It can be a problem in managed turf as it forms as a low growing mat, easily able to tolerate low mowing. Leaf: The small leaves are dark green in colour, oval shaped, fleshy and are covered in fine hairs Flower: Very similar to those of common chickweed. They are small and white in colour, each flower has 5 petals that are deeply cut, giving the appearance of 10 petals. The flowering period of mouse-ear chickweed is between May and October. Removal & control: A difficult weed to remove by hand unless the plants are few in number. Reducing the amount of shade...

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Common Chickweed

Common name: Common Chickweed Botanical name: Stellaria media Family: Caryophyllaceae Life cycle: Annual Habitat: Common chickweed is very common on waste areas, cultivated land, roadsides and hedgerows. It is rarely a problem on managed turf, however it can be a nuisance on newly seeded areas, before the grass has had sufficient time to establish. Leaf: The light green leaves are oval in shape (sometimes with pointed tips) and are bourne in pairs Flower: The flowers are small and white in colour, very similar to mouse-ear chickweed. Each flower has 5 petals which are so deeply lobed,  giving the appearance of 10 petals. Flowering period is typically between February and November. Removal & Control: Common chickweed should...

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Silverweed

Common name: Silverweed Botanical name: Potentilla anserina Family: Rosaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Silverweed is common on neglected lawns, rarely is it a problem on managed turf.  It can often be found on road sides, sand dunes, grassland and wasteland. Leaf: The leaves are pinnate (leaves are arrnaged on each side of the stalk). Each leaf can have between multiple heavily toothed leaflets. The top of leaves can be either green or silver in colour, with the underside silver. Flower: Each flower has  five (sometimes six) bright yellow petals, which can be seen between May and August. Removal & control: Encourage a healthy lawn with regular feeding and good turf care practices to prevent weeds from invading....

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Creeping Cinquefoil

Common name: Creeping Cinquefoil Botanical name: Potentilla reptans Family: Rosaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Creeping cinquefoil is more confined to neglected lawns or bare areas than on well maintained turf. It can often be found under hedgerows, woodland and grass verges. Leaf: The strawberry like leaves have five heavily toothed leaflets. They are sometimes confused with the leaves of Silverweed, which are similar in appearance. Flower: Each flower has five heart shaped petals. The yellow flowers bloom from June to September. Removal & control: A difficult weed to hand weed, as is spreads aggressively with overground runners. Maintaining good turf vigour coupled with good turf care practices will eliminate this...

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Parsley Piert

Common name: Parsley Piert Botanical name: Aphanes arvensis Family: Roseceae Life cycle: Annual Habitat: Parsley piert favours nutrient deficient, free draining soils. It will tolerate extremely close mowing and is often found in turf that has suffered from being mown too short. Leaf: The small fan like leaves are deeply toothed with 3 lobes. Flower: The tiny green flowers form at the base of the leaves and can be difficult to spot. They can be seen between May and September. Removal & control: As this weed is shallow rooting hand weeding can prove quite effective. Keep the lawn in healthy condition with a balanced fertiliser program to help prevent weeds invading. Parsley piert is another weed that is resistant to most selective...

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Buckshorn Plantain

Common name: Buckshorn Plantain or Starweed Botanical name: Plantago coronopus Family: Plantaginaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Buckshorn Plantain, which is also commonly known as Starweed has a large taproot and it is predominantly confined to free draining sandy soils on seaside and coastal sites. Leaf: This rosette type weed has long, narrow leaves with irregular toothed edges. Flower: The flower is typical of all plantains, in the case of buckshorn plantain, a short spike bourne on a short erect stem. The flowers can be seen between May to September. Removal and control: Buckshorn plantain can be removed by hand, taking care to remove the whole of the tap root. Maintaining good turf vigour will help prevent weeds from...

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Ribwort Plantain

Common name: Ribwort Plantain Botanical name: Plantago lanceolata Family: Plantaginaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Ribwort plantain also known simply as Ribwort is very similar to greater plantain in that it thrives on compacted soils. It is also very common on soils with a high pH (alkaline). If left to grow ribwort plantain can grow quite tall, however it can also adapt to tolerate a close mowing regime, making it a problem in situations. Leaf: The long, narrow leaves are heavily ribbed, often with very fine hairs. As the leaves are so narrow this weed is sometimes known as 'Narrow Leaf Plantain'. Flower: The short flowers grow on long stems and are seen between May and October. Removal & control: Ribwort plantain can...

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Greater Plantain

Common name: Greater Plantain Botanical name: Plantago major Family: Plantaginaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Greater plantain forms as low growing, rosette type weed on most types of soil. It is especially troublesome on heavily compacted soils and is often an indicator of the underlying problem of compaction. Leaf: The broad oval shaped leaves are heavily ribbed and they from in a low growing rosette. Flower: The green spike shaped flowers are bourne on long, erect stems and can be seen between May and October. As the flowers mature they will turn brown prior to the seeds being dropped. Removal & control: Greater plantain is one of those weeds that can be successfully hand weeded with a weed removal tool as they grow as...

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Germander Speedwell

Common name: Germander Speedwell Botanical name: Veronica chamaedrys Family: Plantaginaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Germander speedwell will grow on most types of soil, however it is less common in managed turf than slender speedwell. Leaf: The oval shaped leaves have prominent veins with jagged edges. The leaves tend to be larger than those of slender speedwell. Flower: The flowers are blue in colour with a white centre. Each flower has four petals, with one petal being smaller than the remaining three. Removal & control: Prevent this weed becoming a problem with good turf care practises that will encourage a thick, healthy sward of grass. Box of clipping when you cut the lawn, as this weed is capable of regenerating...

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Slender Speedwell

Common name: Slender Speedwell Botanical name: Veronica filifomis Family: Plantaginaceae Lifecycle: Perennial Habitat: Slender speedwell thrives in soils that are rich in nutrients, moisture retentive and are shaded. It is a low growing weed that spreads very aggressively, it can be one of the worst weeds to have in managed turf, as it is difficult to remove. Leaf: Slender speedwell is similar in appearance to germander speedwell, but slender has smaller leaves. The younger leaves are generally kidney shaped and as they mature, they become more rounded in appearance often with toothed edges. Flower: The small light blue, sometimes purple flowers have four petals, with one petal being noticeably smaller than the remaining three....

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Lesser Celandine

Common name: Lesser Celandine Botanical name: Ranunculus ficaria Family: Ranunculaceae Life cycle: Perennial General:  Lesser celandine is a member of the buttercup group of plants. It is one of the first plants to emerge during the spring and it soon disappears again during the early part of summer. It is a very common site in spring time with its lovely yellow flowers. Habitat: This low growing weed prefers damp shaded sites and is often very common along hedgerows, woodlands and dyke banks. Leaf: Lesser celandine has dark green and large, glossy, heart shaped leaves. The leaves sometimes have light green patches giving a verigated appearance to the plant. Flowers: The flowers can be seen from March to May. They are yellow...

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Meadow Buttercup

Common name: Meadow Buttercup or Crowfoot Botanical name: Ranunculus acris Family: Ranunculaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Meadow buttercup is sometimes called tall buttercup or crowfoot. It is very common on wet grassy sites. Although it can tolerate constant mowing it can't withstand constant trampling, which makes it less common on turf than other buttercups. Leaf: The leaves have three deeply toothed lobes, reminiscent of a crows foot, hence the alternative name of 'crow foot' for this weed. Flowers: The yellow flowers have five petals and bloom between May and July. Removal & Control: Meadow buttercup can be hand weeded. Improving the drainage may also help discourage this weed. This is a difficult weed to control...

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Bulbous Buttercup

Common name: Bulbous Buttercup Botanical name: Ranunculus bulbosus Family: Ranunculaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Bulbous buttercup prefers light, sandy free draining sites. It can grow in variety of conditions, including closely mown turf. Leaf: The leaves are typical of other buttercups with three leaflets that are heavily toothed. Flowers: The yellow flowers can have between 5 and 7 petals, it blooms from April until July. Removal & Control: Be vigilant and hand weed any individual plants are they appear to prevent it becoming widespread. However once the weed becomes established then chemicals in the form of a selective weedkiler may be needed for effective control. However, it should be noted that bulbous buttercup...

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Creeping Buttercup

Common name: Creeping Buttercup Botanical name: Ranunculus repens Family: Ranunculaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Creeping buttercup is another weed that can withstand low cutting heights, making it a problem on most types of lawn. This weed will grow on most soil types but it likes wet conditions, in fact, if you suffer repeatedly with this weed it can be a good indicator that you have drainage problems. Leaf: The leaves are divided into three heavily toothed leaflets. The dark green leaves often have pale green and black spots on them and the surfaces can be both hairy or smooth. Flowers: The bright yellow flowers can have between five and ten petals and are most commonly seen between March and August. Removal & Control:...

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Selfheal

Common name: Selfheal Botanical name: Prunella vulgaris Family: Lamiaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Selfheal is an aggressive perennial weed that if found in most types of turf and grassland. It can adapt to most mowing regimes and is able to thrive in close mown turf. It will grow in most soil types, even poor soils that are lacking in nutrients. Leaf: Under close inspection you will notice that the leaves are bourne in pairs. They are usually a deep green colour, have scalloped edges and can be both hairy or smooth. The leaves may have a purple tinge to them, especially in close mown turf. Flower: Selfheal has a distinct purple flower that attracts bees and butterflies. The flowers which have a pair of leaves below them are...

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Black Medic

Common name: Black Medic Botanical name: Medicago lupilina Family: Fabaceae Life cycle: Annual, Perennial Habitat: Black medic thrives on nutrient deficient, dry soils. It is a low growing plants which makes it troublesome on some lawns. Leaf:  The clover like leaves are made up of 3 leaflets very similar to those of lesser trefoil. For this reason the weeds are difficult to tell apart. Flowers: The yellow flowers are again, very similar to lesser trefoil or yellow suckling clover. However the seed pods on black medic turn black (hence the name) later in the season, which is actually the best way to tell the two weeds apart. The flowering period is from May to September. Removal & Control: Hand weeding can prove effective,...

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Birds Foot Trefoil

Common name: Birds Foot Trefoil Botanical name: Lotus corniculatus Family: Fabaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Although birds foot trefoil prefers free draining sandy soils, it will in fact grow on most soil types. It is capable of adapting its growth habit to suit the cutting height. It is not as widespread as white clover and lesser trefoil on garden lawns. Leaf: The leaves are typical of clover type weeds with each leaf consisting of three leaflet. Birds foot trefoil also has two additional leaves, located on the base of the stalks. The leaves are somewhat smaller than those of white clover. Flowers: The yellow pod like flowers are similar to those of honeysuckle. The flowers sometimes have red streaks running through...

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Lesser Trefoil

Common name: Lesser Trefoil or Yellow Suckling Clover Botanical name: Trifolium dubium Family: Fabaceae Life cycle: Perennial Habitat: Lesser trefoil also called yellow suckling clover can be a troublesome weed in all types of turf, as it adapts to the mowing height and will grow quite happily on closely mown turf. This weed is particularly troublesome on poor soils that are low in nutrients. Leaf: The leaves are typical of all clover type weeds, with each leaf having three leaflets. However the leaves on lesser trefoil are somewhat smaller than those of white clover. Lesser trefoil leaves are very similar to those of black medic and the two weeds are often confused with each other. Flowers: The flowers are usually seen from May to...

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White Clover

Common name: White Clover Botanical name: Trifolium repens Family: Fabaceae Lifecycle: Perennial Habitat: White clover can adapt to suit the cutting height and will grow in short turf. It can grow on most types of soil, but is especially troublesome on heavy, acidic sites. Leaf: This weed has distinct leaves, each with three leaflet (four if you are lucky). It is similar to those of other clover like plants such as trefoil, but those of white clover are larger. A whitish band is often visible near the base of the leaflets. Flower: White clover flowers between May and September. It produces white flowers often with a cream or pinkish tinge. Removal & Control: This weed can be hand weeded if the infestation is not too severe....

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Daisy

Common name: Daisy Botanical name: Bellis perenis Family: Asteraceae Lifecycle: Perennial Habitat: Mat forming weed that will tolerate low mowing and will happily grow on a wide range of soil conditions, even on compacted soils. It spreads across the lawn with short runners known as stolons. Leaf: Small spoon shaped leaves, dark green in colour, form as a tight rosette or mat in the base of the turf. Flower: Very distinct flower with a yellow center with white petals. The petals can have a pink tinge to them at various times of the year. They are most common from March through to October, however it is not uncommon for daisies to flower all year round. Removal & Control: Daisy can be removed by hand using a small pocket knife or...

Weed Identification

White Clover Trifolium repens Lesser Trefoil Trifolium dubium Birds Foot Trefoil Lotus coniculatus Black Medic Medicago lupilina Daisy Bellis perennis Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria Slender Speedwell Veronica filiformis Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Greater Plantain Plantago major Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata Buckshorn Plantain Plantago coronopus Parsley Piert Aphanes arvensis Creeping...

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