White Clover (Dutch Clover)
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: White Clover
Botanical Name: Trifolium repens
Description: Each Leaf bears 3 leaflets with each leaf having a white band. White clover flowers from June to September with White spiky appearance flowers in stems. There are 3-6 seeds per pod
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: Sending runners / creeper out and forming new plants and reseading.
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, neutral to acid and chalky soil.
Invasive: VeryInvasive
Timing: Seen most , if not all year of the year
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf weed killer, mowing.
Clover is a major headache for anyone tried to maintain he good looking lawn. During the dry days of Midsummer the bright green patches that stand out against the Dahl and pale grass. This patchy effect is a nice saw and is very difficult to control until the discovery of new are selective weedkillers.
In your UK lawns you are most likely to find white clover and the smaller yellow flowering spaces known as lesser trefoil. Clover is a very hardy plant and doesn't seem to suffer much or any damage from traffic over it's infestation of your lawn.
As with all clovers they are encouraged with both water shortage and nitrogen shortage in the soil. So where ever clover is an issue and affecting your lawn, you should feed the lawn with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser every spring. Do you not use a phosphate or potash-rich fertiliser at the start of the season.
Clover spreads rapidly by spreading runners through the grass along with the soils surface and Will form a new route base at intervals creating whole new plants. It's spread is very aggressive and large areas maybe covered very quickly if not controlled. Other than Moss, clover is one of the biggest wreckers of lawns.
The best methods for treating a Clover problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with clover in the lawns that I manage has been a broadleaf weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts.
Broadleaf weed killer is are very different to a general glyphosate weed killer in the way they operate. A glyphosate weed killer Will kill everything. Where as are you broadleaf weed killer will not and it does not contain glyphosate.
The way broadleaf weed killer works, is that you will need to spray it over the areas that are infested when the plant is in full leaf. The best method I have found for doing this is to use a back pack sprayer, using the recommended dosage to water mix and then cover the area in straight lines spraying as you go.
The broadleaf weed killer Will not affect the grass. But will target all broadleaf weeds generally within your lawn. You then need to leave the chemical to soaking for between 3 to 5 dies depending on the manufacturers instructions, before mowing the lawn.
The chemical will cause the broadleaf infestation to try and re-grow/ regenerate a new leave structure. With regular mowing of the lawn this Will cause the clover to die of exhaustion as it fails to regrow. The grass in the lawn would not be affected but this process. However, you may need to oversee need the areas where the clover had most affected the lawn as you may well end up with bare patches of soil.
The best Time of year to implement this process is normally spring and autumn. But I would advise reading the manufacturers instructions for any product you intend to use in case it conflicts with this information.
I would also suggest using a lawn builder additive / feed to help the fresh new grass grow.
Dock Weed
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Broadleaf Dock Weed
Botanical Name: Rumex obtusifolius
Description: Large broad leaves that appear in spring and seedheads persist into winter; treat spring to autumn. Broad-leaved dock is a long lived perennial, with a basal rosette of long-stalked, smooth ovate-oblong leaves, stems grow high (About 90cm) and the distinctive seedheads on spikes that persist into winter. The roots can be up to 90cm (3ft) in length which makes it a very hardy plant.
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns / anywhere.
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Recently disturbed ground, rough grass, borders and lawns.
Main Causes Spreading: Thick tap root that can re-grow and abundance of seeds.
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, neutral to acid and chalky soil.
Invasive: Very Invasive
Timing: Seen most , if not all year of the year
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf weed killer, mowing.
Dock weeds are very easily recognised with their large leaves and distinctive seedheads. They are a common weeds in all gardens and they are difficult to eradicate..
Dock weeds spreads rapidly by system and will form a new root base if you don't dig out the whole root base plants. It's spread is very aggressive and large areas maybe covered fairly quickly if not controlled.
Seeds are produced in large quantities and they are very easy to germinating. If left on the surface they are capable of surviving in the soil decades. Dock seeds are commonly imported via manure however composted manure, municipal compost and other soil improvers should be free of dock seeds.
The best methods for treating a Dock Weed problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with Dock Weeds in the lawns that I manage has been a glyphosate weed killer that is applied when the the grass is not being cut. This is to give the weed killer time to reach the roots.
Their are two main ways to apply glyphosate weed killer in a lawn. Spot spraying in a shielded area or with a direst touch method. I find small paint beds very effective.
In lawns you can also use selective weed killers that target broadleaf weed and don't have an effect on the grass.
Non-weedkiller control
Docks are extremely difficult for gardeners to control by cultural methods only once they have become established.
You can try digging isolated specimens out as only the top few inches of rootstock have powers of regeneration. If you can dig out 12-15cm (5-6in) usually there is no regrowth. Docks are especially vulnerable in spring so digging then out at this time of the year should be more effective.
Dandelions
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Dandelions
Botanical Name: Taraxacum
Description: Single large flower head on smooth fleshy stalk, Large flat rosette of long lance shaped hairless leaves, with teeth pointing backwards..
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Verges, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: Sending through seed dispersion in the wind.
Soil: All types of soil.
Invasive: Very Invasive
Timing: Seen most , if not all year of the year
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes - Major Weed and a serious nuisance in many lawns
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf or glyphosate weed killer, mowing.
Dandelions are such a common weed, that is easy to misidentify. Many similar plants look Dandelion, but dandelion leaves are hairless. Generally they have toothed, rearward directed edges that gave the plant its French name, “dent de lion.” Leaves and hollow flower stems grow directly from the rootstock. There is only one flower per stem, verses other branching look-alike plants. Root, leaves and stem all exude a milky white sap. The fruits form “wish balls.” Individual seeds are carried away by parachute like hairs with the slightest breeze or breath. They have been known to travel on the wind as much as five miles! Dandelion flower is pollinated by over 90 insects.
The Dandelion leaves ten to spread fairly wide and this can create bare patches of grass in a lawn.
The best methods for treating a Dandelions problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with Dandelions in the lawns that I manage has been a broadleaf weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts. Or, a selective spot treatment with glyphosate weed killer
Buttercups
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Buttercups
Botanical Name: Ranunculus opens / Ranunculus bulbosus / Ranunculus acris / Ranunculus ficaria
Description: Buttercups come in a variety of slightly different plants, They all have the bright rich yellow flower. But with the different species this flower and its leaves will differ...
Creeping Buttercup - 5x flowering petals - Each leaf bears 3x stalked lobes that are deeply toothed and hairy.
Bulbous Buttercup - 5x flowering petals - Similar to Creeping Buttercup, but smaller. Each leaf bears 3x stalked lobes that are deeply toothed and hairy.
Crowfoot or Meadow Buttercup - 5x flowering petals - Each leaf bears 5x lobes on a single stalk that are deeply toothed.
Lesser Celandine - 8to9x flowering petals - Each leaf is on a single stalk , heart shaped and glossy. The edge is often slightly wavy.
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Verges, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: Sending through seed dispersion in the wind.
Soil: Various depending on species.
Creeping Buttercup - Heavy Wet Soils
Bulbous Buttercup - Sandy & Chalky Soils
Crowfoot or Meadow Buttercup - Damp Soils
Lesser Celandine - Damp & Shady Sites
Invasive: Very Invasive
Timing: Depending on which species of Buttercups as to when they come into flower.
Creeping Buttercup - May - August
Bulbous Buttercup - March - June
Crowfoot or Meadow Buttercup - May - August
Lesser Celandine - March to May
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes - Major Weed and a serious nuisance in many lawns
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf weed killer, mowing and applications of lawn sand.
There are a variety of Buttercups that are commonly seen in the UK.
Creeping Buttercup - Ranunculus opens
Bulbous Buttercup - Ranunculus bulbosus
Crowfoot or Meadow Buttercup - Ranunculus acris
Lesser Celandine - Ranunculus ficaria
Buttercups are a common sight in lawns and meadows. pretty and vibrant yellow flowers scattered around a lawn and mowing has been delayed. The most common type is Creeping Buttercup and you will see it everywhere as it is very invasive. Although the Lesser Celandine variety is less common in lawns because it only thrives in damp and shady conditions.
The occasional Buttercup in a lawn is often a welcoming sight due to the rich warm colour. However Creeping Buttercup can very quickly over run a lawn before you know it.
Controlling Creeping Buttercup is relatively easy as selective weed killers for broadleaf weeds are very effective. But some of the other varieties are a bit more resilient.
The best methods for treating a Buttercups problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with Buttercups in the lawns that I manage has been a broadleaf weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts.
An application of lawn sand also helps.
Daisy & Pearlwort
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Daisy & Pearlwort
Botanical Name: Daisy - Bellis perennis / Pearlwort -Sagina procumbens
Description:
Daisy - White ray florets with a bright yellow centre. The flower closes at night, hence the name 'day's-eye'. The leaf is spoon-shaped with scalloped edges.
Pearlwort -Tiny white flowers on top of thin stalks, with white petals that may or may not be present. The leaf is small and narrow.
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Verges, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: . Creeping stems from the main rosette that forms a dense matting there re-roots as it spreads.
Soil: Daisy & Pearlwort will thrive in all soil types.
Invasive: Very Invasive
Timing:
Daisy - Flowers March to November
Pearlwort - Flowers May to September
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes - Major Weed and a serious nuisance in many lawns
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf weed killer, mowing and applications of lawn sand.
Daisy & Pearlwort are a common sight in lawns and meadows, but don't look anything like each other . But they are often mixed in together. There are some features in common.
They thrive in all soil types, especially compacted turf that is mown to a low hight.
Both, Daisy & Pearlwort if not kept in check will easily spread rapidly and unnoticed. This is because it has a lush green appearance that initially adds to a lawns visual appeal, until it takes over and kills the lawn.
Raising the height of the cut, lawn feeds, aeration and applications of lawn sand all help to control their spread and promote a more health lawn.
A selective broadleaf weed killer would be very effective in helping to control Daisy & Pearlwort infestations.
The best methods for treating a Daisy & Pearlwort problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with Daisy & Pearlwort in the lawns that I manage has been a broadleaf weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts.
Raising the height of the cut, lawn feeds, aeration and applications of lawn sand all help to control their spread and promote a more health lawn.
Germander speedwell
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Germander speedwell
Botanical Name: Daisy - Veronica chamaedrys
Description: Small blue flowers with 4x petals and a white eye. The stems are slender and prostate, rooting at intervals to form new plants. The leaf is oval and coarsely toothed.
Height: 20cm.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns and unkept areas
Plant type: Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Verges, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: . Creeping stems from the main rosette that forms a dense matting there re-roots as it spreads.
Soil: Will thrive in all damp soil types.
Invasive: Can be Very Invasive
Timing: March, April, May, June, July
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes - Major Weed and can be a serious nuisance in many lawns
Controllable: Yes with a broadleaf weed killer, mowing and applications of lawn sand.
Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Speedwells are small plants with pretty blue flowers. This species thrives better in un-kept areas, but is known to be invasive to lawns. It's close relative the Slender Speedwell (Veronica fillformis) that has mauve flowers is far more invasive and a much greater nuisance to people trying to maintain a nice lawn.
Until recently the selective weedkiller 'Ioxynil' was used to control the Speedwells, but this chemical is no longer available. Unfortunately the other selective weedkillers are less effective, even when repeat applications are made.
Like other speedwells found in the wild, it was believed that Germander speedwell was good luck for travelers, and wearing it in your buttonhole would “speed you well” on your journey.
The best methods for treating a Germander speedwell problem in your lawn.
This is a very difficult species to tackle. The best method I have found for managing Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) in the lawns has been a broadleaf weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts. But repeated applications are required.
Lawn feeds, aeration and applications of lawn sand all help to control their spread and promote a more health lawn.
Thistles
Broadleaf Weeds in Your Lawn
Common Name: Thistles
Botanical Name: (dwarf thistle or stemless thistle) Cirsium acaule and Creeping Thistle is Cirsium arvense
Description: Spreading roots mean that the Thistles often form large clumps of spiny dark green leaves and flowering stems ranging from 30cm-1m (1ft-3¼ft) in height. Dark pinky-purple flowers typical of the thistle family are borne July to September.
Height: 30cm-1m.
Position: Full sun, partial shade and full shade in lawns.
Habit: Lawns and all most anywhere.
Plant type: Broadleaf Weed
Areas affected: Gardens, Verges, Meadows, allotments beside woodland, common land, and wasteland.
Main Causes Spreading: Thistles spread via creeping roots and air-borne seeds.
Soil: All types of soil.
Invasive: Invasive
Timing: The
Broadleaf Weed in Your Lawn: Yes - Major Weed and a serious nuisance in many lawns
Controllable: Yes with a glyphosate weed killer, mowing and digging out.
Thistles are a serious nuisance in any lawn for a number of reasons. The sharp spikes on the leaves can be painful for anyone walking barefoot soon the lawn, especially children.
Thistles also spread fairly wide, where they are not only unsightly, they also dominate and obstruct the grass from growing leaving a bare patch when removed.
Creeping thistle can quickly spread in grassland areas and borders. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate permanently. You may find that repeated digging out of roots reduces the problem, but chemical control will provide a quicker solution.
Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) is very a problematic weed because;
- It produces a tap root on germination followed by lateral roots that grow horizontally. These lateral roots are brittle and produce buds at intervals that develop shoots.
- When yo try to dig them out, they easily regenerates from broken pieces of root. Individual plants, can form large clumps, are dioecious (either male or female) being virtually self-sterile. However, male and female plants growing adjacent to each other will cross-pollinate and a seed crop will be produced
Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterised by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles can also occur all over the plant – on the stem and on the flat parts of the leaves.
The best methods for treating a clover problem in your lawn.
The best method I have found for dealing with Thistles in the lawns that I manage has been a spot applications of a glyphosate weed killer that is applied between fortnightly the cuts.
The best time to apply weedkillers to thistles is when they are growing vigorously, but have not yet flowered. Digging up the plants can be done at any time of year.
I have tried to use mechanical devices that claim to pull out the roots. The reality is it is a quick fix, but they always seem to leave a bit of root on the ground that regenerates into a new plant.