Novice gardener - weed ID help required

Duffy.sean

Hi. I’m looking for some help with some weeds that have started taking over my lawn. Bit of background, lawn was newly laid approx 1 year ago, around 2 weeks ago I notice some long stems of wide grass like weeds in random patches on the lawn. I cannot identify what these are and hence don’t know how to get rid. I have tried Weedol selective weed killer and am waiting to see if this works. Any help would be much appreciated.

nutcutlet

Probably Bluebells

Duffy.sean

There weren’t any flowers on them at any point. I have cut the grass so perhaps the flowers will grow in then I know for certain? How would I get rid of them? 

Obelixx

Just keep cutting the grass and they'll weaken and certainly won't flower.  If you're desperate to get rid paint on some gel form weedkiller as this is easiest to apply without damaging your grass.  read the instructions for when is best to apply, how long it needs to be left and how often it may need doing.

Duffy.sean

Thanks for the responses I appreciate them. I have some strong weedkiller, Gallup 360, but know this is non selective. I could try putting this onto the leafs only? I will be scarifying and overseeding very soon but want this issue sorted beforehand.

So is it conclusive, are they bluebells?

Obelixx

Have you tried digging them out with a trowel?  Better than chemicals.

Duffy.sean

Yes i will do this and see how I get on. Thanks 

Duffy.sean

I bought a small fork to try and get under the roots, couldn’t get them all they were at least 6” down some of them as I couldn’t find the bulb the stem just snapped.

Whatever they are, they have been there from before the turf was laid (before I moved in). A few pictures below.


Since they have just popped up this time of year, I assume they will go away soon? Weeks? Months? Also will they come back every year??

DampGardenMan

I'd say them's bluebells, probably the Spanish horrors.

Pulling the leaves off and as much as will come out will rob the bulb of any chance to rebuild its reserves for next year, so they will gradually die out. I'm fighting the damn things now in our garden - don't want them hybridising with the much better behaved and much nicer English blubells which we planted last autumn.

Duffy.sean

Ok will try this. The closer I look they seem to be everywhere but some more obvious than others. Have pulled the leaves and roots & bulbs where I can so will see what happens next

karenshrop

I use an old digging fork with the two outside tines removed to dig out Spanish bluebells in my garden. Even so it doesn’t get all the bulbs out as they can go very deep. As the problem is in your lawn I would just keep mowing. If they have no leaves to feed the bulbs will eventually die. Good luck