Fact Sheets

Below is our library of fact sheets containing information pertaining to controlling common broadleaf and grassy weeds found in turfgrass areas throughout Tennessee. These documents will be updated with new information over the coming months. Stay tuned!

Broadleaf Weed Control

Controlling winter annual broadleaf weeds

An array of winter annual broadleaf weeds infest warm- and cool-season turfgrasses during winter and early spring throughout much of Tennessee. This factsheet presents options for selective control.

Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana)

Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is one of the most difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds in turf. This fact sheet outlines options for selective control

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

Ground ivy or creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial broadleaf weed of both warm- and cool-season turfgrass. This publication discusses options for selective control.

White Clover (Trifolium repens)

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial broadleaf weed found in both warm- and cool-season turf. This fact sheet highlights options for selective white clover control.

Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)

This fact sheet provides an overview of hairy bittercress control in both warm- and cool-season turfgrass systems.

Parsley Piert (Aphanes arvensis)

This fact sheet outlines strategies for proper identification and control of parsley piert in both warm- and cool-season turfgrasses

Wild Violets (Viola spp.) This fact sheet provides an overview of options to control wild violets in warm- and cool-season turfgrass.

Grassy Weed Control

Annual bluegrass control in non-overseeded bermudagrass turf

Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a problematic grassy weed of dormant bermudagrass turf across Tennessee. This fact sheet presents options for controlling annual bluegrass infestations.

Annual bluegrass control in overseeded bermudagrass turf

Many athletic fields and areas of golf course turf are overseeded with cool-season turfgrasses during winter dormancy. This fact sheet discusses controlling annual bluegrass (Poa annua) infestations at these sites.

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum)

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a troublesome weed of Tennessee turf. This fact sheet presents research based strategies for selective control in cool- and warm-season turf.

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica)

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a problematic grassy weed of trafficked turfgrass areas. This fact sheet explores options for selective control.

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) is one of the most common turfgrass weeds found in Tennessee. This fact sheet explains options for control.

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a perennial ornamental plant that has become a troublesome weed on golf courses, athletic fields and home lawns throughout Tennessee.

Wild Garlic (Allium vineale)

Wild garlic (Allium vineale) is an odiferous, perennial weed found in various turfgrass areas throughout Tennessee. Wild garlic infestations are most prevalent during fall, winter and early spring.

Bermudagrass Control in Tall Fescue and Zoysiagrass Turf

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp) is commonly selected for its aggressive growth and tolerances to heat, drought and traffic stress. These characteristics also render bermudagrass an extremely difficult-tocontrolweed in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) turf. Learn about options for control herein.

Weed Control During the Seeded Establishment of Cool Season Turfgrasses

Infestations of grassy and broadleaf weeds can hamper new establishments of cool-season turfgrass. Learn about management options using this fact sheet.

Removing Overseeded Perennial Ryegrass from Bermudagrass Turf

Many bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) athletic fields and golf courses are overseeded with cool-season species such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). This fact sheet outlines options for removing overseeded perennial ryegrass.

Current Status of MSMA Use in Turf

This publication outlines restrictions pertaining to the use of monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) for weed control in turf. (Current as of March 2014).

Nutsedge and Kyllinga Species

This publication outlines options for selective control of nutsedge and kyllinga infestations in cool- and warm-season turfgrass.

Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) This fact sheet provides an overview of nimblewill control in both warm- and cool-season turfgrass systems.

Herbicide

Choosing the Right Herbicide

Choosing the right herbicide for a weed control issue can be confusing, intimidating and a time-consuming process. Learn best practices using this fact sheet.

Herbicides For Use on Golf Course Putting Greens

This publication is designed to provide end-users with a list of herbicide options for controlling weeds in creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass putting greens.

Weed Control in Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)

Controlling weeds in centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) can be challenging, in that this species is intolerant of many herbicides commonly used for broadleaf and grassy weed control. This fact sheet highlights options available for weed control in centipedegrass.

Safety of Herbicides Compared to Other Commonly Used Chemicals

This publication was developed to provide practitioners with a reference to which they can refer individuals concerned about the safety of herbicides and other commonly used household chemicals.

Using Growing and Cooling Degree Day Accumulations to Maximize Herbicide Efficacy

This fact sheet provides an overview on practices for using weather data to time herbicide applications for selective control of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) and dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) in warm- and cool-season turf.

Preemergence Herbicide Selection Following Winter Stress

Soil residual activity common among preemergence herbicides can pose problems when products are applied to turf damaged by winter stress.

Understanding How Turfgrass Herbicides Work

A resource for understanding how different turfgrass herbicides vary in mode of action.

Frequently Asked Questions: GlyphosateA fact sheet providing answers to some of the most common questions about glyphosate, an active ingredient in many herbicides, most notably Roundup

Other

Common Mathematical Conversion Factors for Herbicide Calibration

This publication provides useful mathematical conversions for calibrating sprayers used to apply herbicides to turf.

Why Will My Weed Problem Not Go Away?

Herbicides can be very effective tools to control problem weeds, especially when the correct herbicide is chosen for the weeds present. However, sometimes herbicides just do not perform as planned. When this happens, there are often clear reasons for this reduction in weed control. Some of the most common reasons for these herbicide failures are outlined here.

Brush Control in Urban Landscapes

This fact sheet discussses strategies for brush removal in urban landscapes including cut-stump treatment, spray-to-wet applications, and more.

Testing Turf for Winterkill

Learn how to test turfgrass areas for potential winter injury before emerging from dormancy

Fact Sheets​

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Fact Sheets