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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