Identification of turf weeds Andrew Wight

What is a weed? A weed is a plant that is in the wrong place. It turf grass weeds are a problem because a. They interfere with surface quality (roll of the ball) b. They look unsightly c. They compete with grass d. They can slow up play (lots of white daisies in the rough can make finding a white golf ball hard

1. Lesser trefoil –Trifolium dubium Prefers free draining, non acidic and nutrient deficient soils

2. White clover- Trifolium repens White Clover prefers nutrient rich, moist soils in full sun. Dislikes dry and/or shady sites.

3. Daisy -Bellis perennis Common on all soils, does well on compacted moist soils

4. Slender speedwell- Veronica filiformis Can survive in all soil types, particularly moist, nutrient rich soils, tolerates low mowing

5. Selfheal- Prunella vulgaris Likes most wet, heavy soils.

6. Dandilion- Taraxacum officanale All soil types

7. Ribwort Plantain- Plantago lanceolata Likes: Neutral, slightly alkaline soils

8. Cats Ear- Hypchaeris radicata Likes-Mildly acidic sandy soils

9. Spear Thistle -Cirsium Vulgare Likes- Fertile disturbed ground

10. Yarrow -Achillea Millefolium Likes-Calcareous or slightly acidic soils

11. Common Chickweed - Stellaria Media) Likes cultivated soil, common on newly seeded areas

12. Common Sorrel- Rumex acetosa Likes neutral to mildly acidic soils

13. Creeping Buttercup - Ranunculus Repens Likes Slightly acidic moist soils

14. Greater Plantain - Plantago Major) Likes damp compact soils

15. Field Wood Rush - Luzula campestris Likes most soils

Weed control in turf This can be achieved in 3 ways Cultural- making sure the conditions are best suited to grass growth and not weed growth e.g. dealing with compaction that might favour some weeds. Physical- e.g. weeding by hand, or discouraging weeds by verti-cutting etc. Chemical- by using a selective herbicide (weed killer) that is designed to kill weeds but leave grass unharmed.