Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 10

Lesson 10. Turfgrass Weeds and Controls

Weeds Don't Look Good on Golf Courses
Terms
annual weeds: weeds which finish a life cycle within a
year such as crabgrass and common chickweed National Science
Education
biennial weeds: weeds which finish a life cycle within two Standards, Grades
years, such as bull thistle and wild carrot 9-12
Unifying Concepts
broadleaf weeds: dicotyledonous weeds such as plantains and Processes:
and clovers
Systems, order,
grass-like weeds: weeds, which are not grasses but look and organization
like grasses, such as wild garlic and nutsedges: These Evidence, models
weeds are monocots but not grasses. and explanation
Science as Inquiry:
grassy weeds: unwanted grassy plants such as crabgrass
Understanding
or even a turfgrass species in unwanted area about scientific
inquiry
herbicide: a type of pesticide used to kill weeds
Abilities to do
non-selective herbicide: kills all weeds and wanted scientific inquiry
plants Life Science:
per-emergence herbicide: applied prior to the seed Interdependence of
germination of the targeted weed organisms
Matter, energy, and
perennial weeds: weeds that can live many years organization in
living systems
post-emergence herbicide: applied to emerged weeds.
Behavior of
selective herbicide: a type of herbicide that controls the organisms
targeted weed without killing the desired plant History and Nature
of Science:
weed: a plant growing in a wrong place
Science as human
Performance Objectives endeavor
Nature of scientific
The student will knowledge

• identify two grassy weeds and five broadleaf weeds. Mathematical Skills

• describe the basic weed control on lawns.

• list three common types of herbicides used for lawn weed
control.
Materials Needed
For the class
• weed specimens (dry specimens or live weeds)
• samples of herbicides

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For each small group of students
• two herbicide bags and labels
For each student
• the student sheet
Background Information
Weed control is one of the basic pest management practices for healthy lawns.
There are many different weeds to compete with turfgrasses. Weeds can be a
turfgrass species if it is growing in the wrong place.
Broadleaf weeds are very noticeable in a turf area because their appearance is
much different from turfgrasses. Weeds compete with turfgrasses for space,
light, nutrients, and water. Weeds affect a lawn in many ways. Not only do they
cost money to control, but they can also cause other damages such as being
poisonous to humans and pets.

The Key Factors Keeping Weeds Away from

a Golf Course
• Keep the turf healthy
• Mow the turf regularly
• Apply fertilizers and water properly
• Reduce stresses to turf as much as possible
• Repair the poor areas as soon as possible
• Control weeds as early as possible. Young weeds are easier to
control than mature weeds. Mature weeds produce weed seeds
and bring more potential weeds to the lawn.

When turfgrasses are weak, weeds become a serious problem. A large weed
population in a turf means the density of the turfgrass needs to be improved.
Turfgrass can be injured with improper application of herbicides. The key to
weed control is proper identification of the weed, proper methods of control, and
improvement of lawn conditions.
Weeds may be classified into four major groups: summer annuals, winter
annuals, biennials, and perennials. Weeds can also be classified into two grassy
weeds: broad-leaf weeds and grass-like weeds.
Weeds can spread by seeds, rhizomes, stolons, and various organs. The best
weed control is to keep a healthy lawn and prevent weeds from growing.
Weed identification is the first step in weed control. Knowing the common weed
species in the area and how to identify them is essential. The knowledge of weed

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growth conditions is also necessary in order to select proper weed control
methods.
There are many ways to control weeds on a lawn. Mechanical removal is one of
the options if time and labor are not a problem. Mowing is one of the cultural
practices that has the greatest effect on weed infestation of a lawn. Many of the
weeds that are problems in field crop areas never appear in lawns because they
cannot tolerate mowing. However, mowing can also be the cause of weed
problems. If a lawn is mowed too low (lower than 1.5 inches), the turfgrasses
become less competitive and some weeds, such as crabgrass and goosegrass,
are adapted to lower mowing heights. Watering and fertilizing properly will
reduce the weed problems and improper application of water and fertilizer can
become causes of weed problems.
Chemical control is another option for controlling weeds in lawns. There are
dozens of herbicides being used to control lawn weeds. Pre-emergence
herbicides are used to control annual grassy weeds since these weeds come
back from seeds. Controlling the seed germination is an effective way to stop
these weeds. Post-emergence herbicides are used to control broad-leaf weeds
when the weed is already germinated. This type of herbicide can selectively kill
broad-leaf weeds without injuring or killing the turfgrass. Nonselective
herbicides can kill both turfgrass and weeds. This type of herbicide is only used
for new lawn establishment or renovation before seeding or planting.
Teacher Preparation
• Collect weeds and specimens.
• Collect a turf herbicide label.
• Culture live weeds in the greenhouse for this class.
Procedure
1. Introduce main weed groups on golf courses.
2. Ask students about weed control activities at home.
3. Discuss the weed control methods.
4. Provide students with specimens and live weeds for identification.
5. Explain herbicides, pre-emergence weed control and post-emergence weed
control
6. Divide students into groups to identify weeds
7. Discuss cultural management and weed control of different groups of weeds
Ø Summer annual grasses such as crabgrass and goose grass
Use pre-emergence herbicides and post-emergence herbicides
Ø Annual bluegrass control
Use herbicides and plant growth regulators
Ø Broadleaf weed control on clovers, plantains, and common chickweed so on

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Use 2,4-D type herbicides in combination with others such as a
combination of 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Mecoprop (Trimec)
Ø Perennial grassy weeds
The most difficult weeds to control because they are similar to
turfgrasses. Spot treat with non-selective herbicides
8. Take a tour of the school lawn area or a neighboring lawn to identify some lawn
weeds and record them on the student sheet.
9. Ask students to finish the student sheet.
Reflection
What is the first important step in weed control for lawns?
Why can some herbicides control all other weeds without harming the desired
plant?
Roundup-ready corn and soybeans are now available. Could this idea be used on
lawns? Why or why not?
Why is bermudagrass called evil-grass when it grows in the wrong place? Why is
it difficult to control?
Enhancement
• Collect weed specimens and labels properly
• Interview a golf course superintendent about weed control
• Collect some weeds to identify by yourself by using the identification guide
• Visit related web sites
Assessment
Determine the students' performance based on
• the degree of accomplishment of the student sheet.
• the performance during the class and the experiment.
• the participation in the discussions and the reflection questions.
• the degree of accomplishment of the "Scoring Rubric".

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STUDENT FACT SHEET Student ________________ Date____________

GOLF COURSE WEEDS AND CONTROLS

1. Along with the damage caused to the turf, weeds can also be poisonous.
2. Cultural controls including proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
3. Annual grassy weeds are controlled by pre-emergence herbicides.
4. Broad-leaf weeds are controlled by post-emergence herbicides.
5. Perennial grassy weeds are the most difficult to control, compared with
other weeds.
6. Non-selective herbicides will kill both turfgrasses and weeds.

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STUDENT SHEET Student ________________ Date____________

GOLF COURSE WEEDS AND CONTROL

1. Write the definition:
annual weeds:

biennial weeds:

broadleaf weeds:

grass-like weeds: grassy weeds:

herbicides:

non-selective herbicides:

per-emergence herbicides:

perennial weeds:

post-emergence herbicides:

selective herbicides:

weed:

2. List weeds you have found in a lawn

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3. Study the weeds in the photos attached and put the weed names in the proper
categories on the table.

Type of weeds Weeds Main control methods

Annual grassy

weeds
Broadleaf weeds

Perennial grassy weeds

Grass-like weeds

4. Draw a typical broadleaf weed and a grassy weed.

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A SCORING RUBRIC Name ________________Date _____________

GOLF COURSE WEEDS AND CONTROLS

The purpose of this

lesson was

The main method(s)

or procedure(s) we
learned was (were)

The best example(s)

that I can use to
describe the content
of this lesson

Subjects or courses
that I can relate this
lesson to

The information of
this lesson can be
applied to

In summary, what I
learned

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Common Weeds Found on Golf Courses

Annual Bluegrass
Poa annua L.
Annual or perennial
grassy weed reproducing
by seed

Control by using post or pre

emergence herbicides and
growth regulators

Buckhorn Plantain
Plantago lanceolata L.
Perennial
Broadleaf weed reproducing
by seed

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf herbicides.

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Common Chickweed
Stellaria media [L.] Vill.
Winter annual
Broadleaf weed reproducing
by seed

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf or non-
selective herbicides when the
turf is dormant.

Curly Dock
Rumex crispus L.
Perennial
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides

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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale Weber
Perennial
Broadleaf weed reproducing
by seed

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf herbicides.

Henbit
Lamium amplexicaule L.
Biennial
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

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Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare L.
Annual
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

Lambsquarters
Chenopodium album L.
Annual
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

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Mouse-ear Chickweed
Ceratium vulgatum L.
Perennial
Broadleaf weed reproducing
by seed and creeping stems.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf or non-
selective herbicides when the
turf is dormant.

Nutsedge
Cyperus spp. L.
Perennial
Monocot weed
reproducing by seed,
rhizomes, and nutlets.

Control by using post-

emergence recommended
herbicides.

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Plantain
Plantago major L.
Perennial
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

Purslane
Portulaca aleracea L.
Summer annual
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

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Spotted Spurge
Euphobia supina Raf.
Summer annual
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

Smooth Crabgrass
Digitaria ischaemum Schreb.
Annual
Summer grassy weed
reproducing by seed.

Control by using pre-emergency

or post-emergence grassy weed
herbicides

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Wild Garlic
Allium vineale L.
Perennial
Monocot weed
reproducing by seed and
bulbs

Control by using post-

emergence recommended
herbicides.

Yellow Wood Sorrel

Oxalis Stricta L.
Annual or perennial
Broadleaf weed
reproducing by seed

Control by using post-

emergence broadleaf
herbicides.

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