Lawn Weeds Nearly every lawn will succumb eventually to a weed of some description. Some weeds are the kind that you will find in the borders, which have spread to your grassy areas. Other weeds are more specific to your lawn. The following is a brief guide to the types of weeds you may find in your lawn and what you can do about them. 
Dandelion The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is perhaps one of the more common weeds that we will see in lawned areas. It can have quite a big impact on a lawn due to the nature of its growth - a rosette of broad shaped leaves can spread along the lawn, which will then prevent sunlight reaching the grass. Dandelions are hard to destroy because they form a strong taproot beneath the ground. Removing the head will weaken the plant, but if the taproot remains, new heads will form. Dandelions will also propagate themselves via seed. The weed can be removed by hand by digging into the soil to remove the entire taproot. However, if any particle of root remains, the dandelion can regrow. Alternatively, an application of selective weed killer can be used.  Daisy The common daisy (Bellis perennis) is able to grow in a wide range of soils, even in compacted soil that's inhospitable to other plants. Daisies may also out-compete cultivated plants and cause them to die. It can spread by forming mats of foliage, and is able to colonise new areas by producing seed. It is a significant weed of lawns and will flower from early spring through to late autumn. It is relatively easy to remove. Dig or grub out daisies from lawns using an old kitchen knife or a spike-like daisy grubber. Alternatively, slash though the mats of foliage with a knife at weekly intervals to weaken and loosen the plants. Collect mowings from the lawn, as this can help spread daisies. Pull or dig out daisies in borders by hand. Alternatively, a selective lawn weedkiller or a lawn feed and weed product can be used. 
Selfheal Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a perennial weed that flowers June to November. Not only is selfheal a major lawn weed but it is extremely persistent. It spreads by seeds from its flowers and will lurk in borders and under hedges readily seeding the lawn. It is an extremely aggressive lawn weed and will quickly establish itself and compete with the grass. It is a tricky weed in that it will stick close to the ground in order to survive even the closest mowing - it will even flower on 3cm-high flower spikes to ensure survival of its species. Once you have this plant on your property it is virtually impossible to eradicate it completely. The most effective organic approach to dealing with selfheal is to weaken the plant by hoeing it wherever it appears in beds or borders, or to dig it out using a fork or trowel. If it establishes itself in the lawn you will have to lift and replace the affected turf in order to deal with it effectively. Alternatively, use a weedkiller such as a 2, 4-D-based herbicide to remove it. This should be applied in cool, moist, calm conditions when there is least risk of accidentally damaging nearby garden plants. 
White Clover White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial weed with shamrock-like leaves and fragrant white flowers. It colonises gardens and lawns using runners that fix into the ground, and competes with other plants for space to grow. Once it is established in your garden it will quickly spread, causing particular problems when it appears in the lawn, as it's difficult to remove. The best way to deal with clover is to dig out affected areas and replace patches of lawn with weed-free turf. However, it is worth bearing in mind that clover has nitrogen-fixing nodules on its roots, so it acts as an excellent green manure when dug back into the soil. A weedkiller such as a 2, 4-D-based herbicide can be used in spring or early summer, when growth is at its most vigorous. Repeat throughout summer where necessary. Apply in cool, moist, calm conditions when there's least risk of accidentally damaging nearby garden plants. 
Greater Plantain Greater plantain (Plantago major) grows in borders, but is able to survive in the compacted soil of lawns. Like the dandelion, plantain survives due to a deep taproot and can regrow with the smallest piece of root. If left, it will compete with plants for light, water and nutrients, and lead to bare patches on the lawn. Dig out the whole tap root using a knife or spike-like daisy grubber and ensure that you remove the flower spikes before they get a chance to produce seed. A selective lawn weedkiller or a lawn feed and weed product can also be used. |
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