Thistles spreading like wild-fire.

Annamoe99

Can anyone tell me how to get rid of thistles from my lawn. The whole lawn is infested with them and they are spreading like wild-fire

James Kilkelly · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:00 am Post subject:

First off keep the lawn well fertilised and cut regularly to build up a thick grass sward.
Thistle seeds love to land in thin grass as they will germinate with ease.

To kill the existing thistles with a selective herbicides, select one containing the active ingredient mecoprop. This is available in for example in the product Hytrol Clover Lawn Weedkiller manufactured by Hygeia and Clovotox manufactured by Bayer.

Applying a lawn fertilser to your grass approx two weeks before applying selective lawn weedkillers will improve results. Weedkiller application is most effective while the weed is actively growing, between the leafing to flower stage of growth. For best results, apply selective weedkiller to the lawn on a day forecast to be dry. Apply on a calm morning (no drift) once the dew has dried.

With most lawn weedkillers expect to apply two or three applications at 6 week spacings to rid your lawn of the weeds and the regrowths from their seeds. Always read carefully the instructions supplied with the weedkiller, and follow them to the letter especially regarding protective equipment and the care of children and pets.

Annamoe99 · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:10 am Post subject:

Thanks a lot for that. Can you recommend a lawn fertiliser ?

michael brenock · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:34 am Post subject:

if the thistles are in a lawn then they must be creeping thistles and regular lawn mowing will prevent the development of the thistles to full maturity and they will not be able to produce seed. Try using glyphosate (roundup) strongly diluted, by applying it with a brush or sponge. In this way the grass is not killed, Apply 10-10-20 fertiliser to the lawn now and dont cut too low down.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)