Yarrow (Milfoil) (Achillea millefolium)

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General Information: Yarrow also known as 'Milfoil' is a perennial weed and is a common weed on all types of lawns and turf in the UK. It has deep fibrous roots and can withstand droughty conditions. It spreads by creeping stems which root at intervals.

Leaf: Yarrow leaves are fern like feathery appearance. The leaves give of a fragrance if rubbed or crushed.

Flower: Yarrow flowers are visible from June to October, producing a cluster of small white flowers.

Preferred habitat: Yarrow prefers nutrient deficient, dry and sandy soils. Yarrow is often an indicator that your lawn is suffering from a lack of nutrition.

Control: Hand weeding may be practical if there are only a few plants. Regular mowing will help prevent Yarrow from flowering to produce seed. Keeping the lawn in a healthy condition by increasing the soil fertility will help suppress Yarrow.

For a large infestation of Yarrow a selective herbicide will have to be used to eradicate this weed. Use a selective weed killer containing a 2,4-D mixture or fluroxypyr & clopyralid and repeat again 6 weeks later if necessary.

Recommended selective weed killers for Yarrow.

Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Westland Resolva lawn weed killer (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba).
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax lawn clear (fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p)
Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).
Evergreen Complete (MCPA, mecoprop-p).
Evergreen feed + weed liquid (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.

For more info on weed killer treatment please go to our weed control page. Before you apply any chemicals read the instructions and adhere to the manufactures recommendations and health and safety guidelines.

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