Unknown lawn weed

Judith 5

Hi

Does

 

 

anyone know what this weed in my lawn is. It is getting worse each year and doesn't seem to get killed by the lawn weed and feed products.

Thanks

Liriodendron

I think it's field woodrush, luzula campestris.  It likes acid conditions and thrives in lawns which have a lot of thatch.

Judith 5

Thanks. There is a lot of thatch but we don't have acid soil. I keep mowing to take the heads off  so it doesn't seed but don't know what else to do.

Liriodendron

I think if you google luzula campestris there may be some advice...  I'm afraid my "lawn" is mostly not grass - moss and "wild flowers" (or weeds, if you prefer!) so I don't know what treatment you might need. 

nutcutlet

They're often in acid soil but I have seen them in alkaline. Improving drainage might help. I don't think lawn weedkillers can tell woodrush from grass so wouldn't be effective.

Judith 5

Thanks everyone. It's puzzling as the lawn is South facing and has no drainage problems. There is moss and thatch tho. One side of the lawn has a rhododendron hedge along it, so perhaps the soil is more  acidic than I thought. 

 

 

nutcutlet

I think you must have acid soil to produce a rhodo hedge like that

Judith 5

Hmmm....I have a soil testing kit somewhere, I'll have to try it. Camellias don't do so well here tho'. 

Judith 5

Was that meant for me Edd?? 

Judith 5

There certainly was a lot of thatch

 

Liriodendron