Using Weeds as Indicators of Turf Management and Environmental Conditions

It is commonly thought that large weed populations are responsible for driving desirable grasses from a turf area. In reality, the presence of weeds, and the lack of turf, often indicates the turf's inability to compete and survive in settings where weeds can. Although it is impractical to expect totally weed-free turf, the presence of large numbers of weeds is often an indication of problems in the growing environment or in turfgrass culture. Employing recommended cultural techniques and altering the growing environment can improve turf quality and health and, thus, reduce the need for pesticide applications.

Reasons for weed invasion

Large populations of weeds in turf are usually indications of:

• improper turf selection; o poor culture;
• insect pest or disease invasion;
• excessive traffic; or
• unfavorable growth environment.

Weeds specific to certain environmental and management conditions

Often, the presence of specific weeds in turf provides clues to the type(s) of environmental and management problems. By learning about weeds that commonly occur under certain conditions, managers can more easily identify these problems and correct them. The following list groups weeds by the environment in which they often occur.