Dandelion and dandelion like weeds
🟩 Dandelion is a very common perennial weed that is characterised by its large yellow flowers each produced from a single smooth fleshy stalk. As the weed matures it produces a seed head with which we will all be familiar about the size of a golf ball. The leaves are distinctive, hairless and spear shaped with deep teeth pointing downwards.
🍃 There are however a number of weeds that bare a similar appearance. Smooth Hawk’s-Beard has very similar leaves to Dandelion and produces several smaller yellow flowers from a branched stalk rather than a single one an important distinction when comparing the two.
🟩 Cat’s-Ear produces similar flowers to the Dandelion but the leaves are quite different being hairy and fleshy without downwards pointing teeth.
🍃 Mouse-Ear Hawkweed has large yellow flowers from a single stalk like Dandelion however the leaves are very different being oval shaped with white hairs.
🟩 Finally Autumn Hawkbit, often mistaken for Dandelion has a different shaped flower again from a branched stalk with narrower, glossy leaves, the weed in general is smaller than either Dandelion or Cat’s-Ear.
In what conditions do they thrive?
🟩 Dandelion grow in all soil conditions and in pretty much any environment, the flowering season is long between March – October but the abundance of yellow flowers which we are familiar with is usually first noticeable in spring.
🍃 Cat’s-Ear again favours all soil types, but the flowering period is slightly narrower between May-September.
🟩 Mouse-Ear Hawkweed by comparison favours dry and acid soils meaning it is noticeably less common that the others mentioned.
🍃 Autumn Hawkbit as the name suggests is late flowering between July and October and if you do notice an abundance of flowers in later summer early autumn it might be worth a second look. It can tolerate all soils types but does enjoy badly drained soils.
What are the effects on turf?
Dandelion and Cat’s Ear are the most commonly seen, and often in pitches with a limited maintenance regime, they are however very disfiguring with large rosettes with leaves that can reach 20cm in length. As well as being an eyesore in managed turf they smother the grass underneath eventually killing it. Like many weeds they can adapt to low mowing heights, they also produce a deep taproot meaning they can cope with drought conditions while surrounding turf becomes stressed.
Management
Cultural
🌿 Because of the deep taproot hand removal is difficult because a new plant will form if any of the root is left in the soil.
🌿 Regular mowing will help prevent seed heads from forming helping reduce further spread.
🌿 As is usually the case a balanced fertiliser programme and irrigation during drought if available will maintain a healthy grass sward
Chemical
🌿 Because they are large singular weeds spot treatment can be effective if there is a limited population.
🌿 Where populations are more widespread the above-mentioned weeds will all be controlled through application of broad-spectrum selective herbicide when growing. (Do not apply under drought conditions, application will not be effective and may damage the grass sward)
🌿 Whilst one application is normally sufficient a repeat application may be necessary in the same growing season although adequate time must be left between applications.
🌿 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.