Yarrow
General description and types
Yarrow is a perennial weed that is very distinctive and should be easily identifiable. It looks a little like a mini fern with fine feather like leaves. Although unlikely in a managed turf situation if left to grow undisturbed they grow clusters of small white flowers and can reach 80cms tall.
✅ In what conditions does it thrive?
Yarrow loves dry soils lacking in nutrients and this is when it will quickly spread however it can be found in most soil types and conditions.
⚽ What are the effects on turf?
Yarrow tends to proliferate in hot, drought summers, when temperatures are consistently high and grass browns and becomes dormant or worse wilts entirely. Yarrow has a deep root system that makes it very drought tolerant and the underground runners (rhizomes) help rapid spread and establishment in susceptible conditions. It adapts to mowing heights and in managed turf will form a low growing matt which can smother stressed turf and cover large areas.
Management
Cultural
🌿Encourage a dense, healthy grass sward through a proper maintenance regime. This prevents the weed from invading bare ground.
🌿As mentioned above pitches with adequate nutrition will be less susceptible to Yarrow invasion.
🌿Minimising turf stress during drought periods will help manage the speed at which grass wilts, increasing cutting heights and avoiding mowing in the heat of the day will offer some benefit.
🌿If available, irrigate appropriately to avoid turf entering drought conditions.
🌿Yarrow can be removed by hand when isolated plants are observed.
Chemical
🧪Yarrow is a challenge to control with selective herbicides, but these remain the most successful form of control where populations are widespread.
🧪The weed may be weakened by one application, but a repeat application is almost always necessary in the same growing season although adequate time must be left between applications. And repeat annual applications are likely to be needed to control long term on susceptible sites.
🧪Selective herbicides should only ever be applied by a fully qualified professional with the appropriate equipment and paperwork.
🧪 Always try and minimise use of chemicals wear possible. Seek guidance from BASIS certificated advisors and use contractors abiding by The Amenity Standard scheme.
