Weeds – the bane of any garden. Whether you’re caring for your back garden or border edges, or managing large-scale landscaping for estates, large gardens, and displays, any gardener, horticulture enthusiast, or professional landscaper can relate to the challenge of tackling weeds.
The trick to controlling and killing weeds safely and permanently is to first understand what weeds you are trying to control. That’s why in this guide, we’re sharing the most common types of garden weeds you’re likely to encounter in UK gardens, woodlands, and landscapes.
Here at Steel Landscaping Co we are well-versed in landscaping and horticulture. As a repeat exhibitor at the RHS show, we have years of experience creating exquisite garden landscapes of all sizes.
What Are Weeds?
Any plant that is growing in an undesired place, or is growing unintentionally from your choice, could be described as a weed. Weeds typically compete with desired plants for soil, water, nutrients, space, and light, which can prevent desired plants from thriving.
Weeds typically spread and grow rapidly, leading to them overtaking garden spaces quickly if left unmanaged or uncontrolled. What is important to note is that not all weeds are harmful; to some, a sunflower may be planted consciously for taste, while others may see this as a weed, such as in a vegetable patch or allotment.
As a result, there are different classifications for weeds that you may find in the UK, each of which may require different handling methods to control:
The Different Groups of Weeds:
- Noxious Weeds: Noxious weeds are a type of weed that are classified as harmful to livestock, agriculture, or the environment.
- Invasive Weeds: Invasive weeds are a type of weed that are not native, and can cause damage and disruption to biodiversity, affecting native plants and wildlife.
- Common Weeds: Common weeds can include native plants and wildflowers that can compete with other plants for growth and resources.
Nettles
What are nettles?
Stinging nettles (also known as Urtica Dioica) are a common weed found throughout the UK. Nettles are known for their leaves, which feature stinging hairs that can prove painful when touched.
Whilst nettles are a primary food supply for insects, including caterpillars, butterflies, moths, snails, and ladybirds, nettles spread quickly through underground creeping roots and by dropping large amounts of seeds. Nettles are often considered unsightly, and if left uncontrolled, can dominate areas of gardens, woodland, meadows, and green landscapes where desired plants are preferred.
The most common type of stinging nettles found in the UK are perennial and are known to survive through the winter months. They primarily grow from spring to autumn.
What do nettles look like: how to identify
Nettles typically grow between 1-2m in height and can be categorised by dark green, serrated leaves that grow in opposite pairs.
The stem is typically square in shape and is covered in fine hairs. Nettles may also be found with small green or white flowers in clusters around the joints of the leaves.
How to kill nettles
To get rid of and kill nettles for good, it is essential to remove the entirety of their root system. Chopping or trimming back nettles alone will, in fact, stimulate the plant to produce new shoots, likely influencing the nettles to grow further.
A systemic weedkiller is likely the best option to manage large areas of nettles quickly. This works best during late spring and summer when the nettles are at their highest rate of growth. However, if you prefer, you can manually dig and remove the root system, which can be done from early spring.
When handling stinging nettles, always wear protective clothing to avoid stings and irritation. Also, refrain from adding any nettle waste (particularly the roots and flowering seeds) to compost piles, as roots may begin to re-root and grow within compost. Instead, dispose of this in a green garden waste bin.
Dock Weeds (Dock Leaves)
What are dock weeds
Dock plants (widely known as dock leaves or dock weeds) are a type of perennial native plant in the UK, and can often be found in gardens, along pathways, roadsides, and areas of neglected soil.
While dock leaves are well known for their remedial properties for nettle stings, they are not often a desired plant of choice for gardens and landscapes, so are often considered a type of weed.
What do dock weeds look like: how to identify
The main type of dock plants, broad dock leaves, can be identified easily. The plant will often feature large, green, oblong-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette formation, with the leaves growing up to around 30cm in length.
While dock leaves typically grow low to the ground, the plants’ flower stems can reach a height of around 1.2m.
Curled dock leaves are similar to broad dock leaves, except that the leaves are often shorter and narrower than broad dock leaves. Curled dock leaves feature a waved or curled edge, which gives rise to their name.
How to kill dock leaves
To get rid of dock leaves effectively, you will need to remove the entire taproot of the plant. Dock weed taproots grow deep in the soil, usually around 12-15cm deep. For the best results, we recommend using a garden fork and removing the plants in early spring.
For larger patches of dock leaves, a systemic weedkiller or lawn weedkiller can be used if manual removal is too time-consuming or if the weeds continue to return. If you choose to use a weedkiller, apply it during the summer months when the dock weeds are in full leaf, as this maximises the spread of the weedkiller through the plant.
Japanese Knotweed
What is Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is a non-native, invasive species of perennial plant that can be found throughout the UK. The plant was first introduced in the 1850’s as an ornamental plant for gardens.
Japanese Knotweed (also known as Reynoutria japonica) has since spread rapidly across the UK. While not illegal to have on your property, there are laws that govern how Japanese Knotweed should be dealt with; the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 mandates that it is illegal to spread the plant in the wild or onto neighbouring land, and is classified as “controlled waste” under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, requiring specialised disposal methods.
Japanese Knotweed can be found everywhere from residential areas, along river banks and canals, alongside roadsides, and on waste ground. As an invasive, non-native weed, it poses a threat to both property and the environment.
Japanese Knotweed forms deep rhizomes/root systems with rapid growth that can dominate environments and prevent the growth of native plants, which wildlife depend on for food sources.
What does Japanese Knotweed look like: how to identify it
Japanese Knotweed has a bamboo-like appearance, growing up to 3m tall, with heart-shaped or spade-shaped leaves that grow along the stems of the plant.
In early spring, you may notice rounded buds with a pinkish colour in the soil. These buds quickly grow, with red or red-speckled stems as the plant grows and matures. In later summer and autumn months, when the plants typically flower, small white flowers can be found near the tips/top of the stems.
The root and rhizomes of Japanese Knotweed are known to extend up to 1m in depth in the ground, with the rhizomes often having an appearance and texture similar to that of tree roots.
As a perennial plant, the root systems of Japanese Knotweed remain present but dormant through winter months – the plants then begin further growth in the early months of spring, where the pinkish buds begin to sprout.
How to get rid of Japanese Knotweed
As Japanese Knotweed is covered under a number of wildlife and environmental laws in the UK, the removal of the weed must be done so professionally and in accordance with the law.
The removal process primarily involves the use of systemic herbicides in late Summer and Autumn months, combined with deep excavation to completely remove the root and rhizome system beyond the visible depth of the system.
Any Japanese Knotweed waste must be disposed of in a controlled and legal manner at licensed landfill sites. Any waste must not be composted; Japanese Knotweed can spread and grow rapidly, with the plant being able to regenerate and grow from small fragments.
Contaminated soils may also have to be disposed of or to be buried under special geotextile membranes to prevent further contamination.
Japanese Knotweed can affect property valuation and mortgages, with professional removal services often required, which can take between 2 and 5 years to fully complete.
Creeping Buttercups
What are Creeping Buttercups?
Creeping Buttercups are a type of buttercup that are widely considered a weed within the UK. They often grow in lawns, meadows, and along hedgerows.
While some may find the bright yellow appearance of buttercups visually appealing, if left uncontrolled, the weeds can spread quickly, and contain toxins (protoanemonin) which can affect humans, livestock, and pets.
When consumed, the toxin can lead to blisters in the mouth, as well as gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea. It’s therefore commonplace to search for ways to remove buttercups and creeping buttercups from gardens.
What do Creeping Buttercups Look Like: How to identify
Creeping Buttercups are similar in appearance to their meadow buttercup counterparts, but have some unique differences. Creeping Buttercups are low-growing, with small yellow flowers; the weeds spread through runners and seeds.
In some gardens, Creeping Buttercups may be planted as a conscious decision to add a characteristic pop of yellow colour. However, for some garden arrangements and landscapes, such as in lawns and regimented borders, Creeping Buttercups may be considered weeds and compete against desired plants for space and nutrients.
How to Remove Creeping Buttercups
Creeping Buttercups can often be easily removed by hand, using a garden fork or trowel to remove the entire root system in early spring. Systemic herbicides and lawn weedkillers can also be effective in killing larger areas of creeping buttercups.
Dandelions
What are Dandelions
Dandelions are a common type of perennial plant and weed found in the UK. Dandelions are hardy and often grow in moist, sunny areas; they can be found growing in lawns, borders, by rivers and canalsides, alongside roads and paths.
As dandelions have long taproots, they can grow in cracks and crevices between concrete and slabs, reaching the soil underneath. It is therefore common to see them growing in driveways and paths that are left unmaintained.
While dandelions are fast-growing and can be considered weeds, they’re often beneficial to other plants and grasses, helping to improve soil quality and are often an early source of food for bees in early spring months.
Dandelions can make a garden or lawn appear untidy; however, with seeds spread and growing quickly across gardenscapes when blown by the wind.
What Do Dandelions Look Like?
Dandelions are a low-growing weed that can be primarily identified by their bright-yellow flowers. Dandelion flowers typically grow to about 40-70cm in height, depending on their growing conditions, with the multi-petaled flowers that can reach 5cm in diameter.
Dandelion flowers remain in bloom with their characteristic yellow colour for between 9 and 15 days, after they transition to a white-seeded head, which helps the weed to spread. At the base of the stem, dandelion leaves grow in a rosette formation, with leaves that are jagged in appearance and can range from small 5cm leaves to large leaves up to 50cm in length.
How to Kill Dandelions
Dandelions can grow at any time from early Spring through to Autumn, but typically reach peak flowering between April and May.
To remove dandelions effectively from lawns, borders, and grass areas, you can use a weeding tool, trowel or fork to remove the full taproot of the plant. This will ensure that any trace of the root system is removed to prevent the plant from growing back. Mowing lawns with dandelions can help to prevent dandelions from spreading, but mowing alone may be ineffective to fully remove the weeds.
For larger areas of lawns or grasses with dandelions, a grass-safe weedkiller can be faster and more effective. Weedkillers are also ideal for dandelions that grow in between concrete surfaces, such as drives and slabs, where there are no neighbouring flowers or plants that you wish to keep.
Cow Parsley
What is Cow Parsley?
Cow Parsley is a type of perennial wildflower that is found throughout the UK. It often grows along roadsides, rivers, and canals, and can also be found in gardens, meadows, and green spaces.
Cow Parsley can be chosen as an ornamental flower for garden design; however, it is often found in untended areas, including the countryside, which can give the connotation of an untidy or unintended appearance in gardens.
Cow Parsley can spread rapidly as it self-seeds; the flowers produce large amounts of seeds that germinate after the winter months. This means that even small areas of consciously planted Cow Parsley can grow rapidly if uncontrolled.
What does Cow Parsley Look Like: How to identify
Cow Parsley typically grows in clumps, with fern-like green leaves, and stems that reach an average fully-grown height of 1.2m. It can often be identified in April to June months with small clusters of white flowers that appear near the top of the stems.
Cow Parsley or Hemlock?
Cow Parsley and Hemlock are often mistaken, thanks to their similar appearance. Hemlock is a poisonous plant and must be treated with care.
Cow Parsley often has hairy stems, whereas Hemlock has smooth and hairless stems. Cow Parsley often has a pleasant herbaceous scent when the leaves are crushed, while Hemlock emits a musty and unpleasant scent that differentiates the two.
If you’re unsure whether you’re handling Cow Parsley or Hemlock, we recommend wearing gloves, long sleeve tops and trousers, along with a mask to prevent any contact with sap, fumes or pollen for your protection, or speak to an expert.
How to Remove Cow Parsley
The best way to get rid of Cow Parsley is to remove the plant in its entirety using a spade or shovel. This allows for spot removal and protects any neighbouring plants from the use of weedkillers or herbicides.
If the plant is growing on lawns or grass areas, regularly mowing the area as the plant grows, but before it flowers, can help to exhaust the root system, helping to lessen the extent of growth.
White Clover
What is White Clover?
White clover is a common type of low-growing, perennial plant that is native to the UK. It is a common sight across the nation and can be found on lawns, grass verges, and alongside roads primarily.
White Clover is often considered a weed to those wishing to achieve a manicured, perfect lawn; while beneficial for pollinators, the wildflower often competes with grasses for light and nutrients.
What Does White Clover Look Like?
White Clover grows with a distinctive pattern of three leaves, and features small white or pinkish flowers that appear from May to October. White Clover is low-growing and spreads through creeping roots.
How to Get Rid of White Clover
Unlike larger weeds and wildflowers, white clover cannot be easily dug up and removed from lawns and green spaces. Instead, it’s effective to use a nitrogen fertiliser on the lawn.
White Clover often favours low-nitrogen grass, so using a nitrogen fertiliser can help your lawn or grass to outcompete the flower, reducing its presence.
A lawn weedkiller can also be used to get rid of White Clover, though this may be carried out as a secondary step if the fertiliser approach is not fully effective.
Chickweed
What is Chickweed?
Chickweed is a common garden weed found in the UK. It is a low-growing, annual plant that thrives in moist, nitrogen-rich soils and is often found in gardens, allotments, nurseries, and areas that are repeatedly disturbed.
Chickweed grows rapidly and is often found in lawns. The weed can prove problematic as it can overtake natural or consciously sewn grasses for resources, space, and light.
Once the chickweed dies back, this can reveal areas of barren or dead grass where the Chickweed once was, which can lead to other weeds beginning to grow.
What does Chickweed look like?
Chickweed is a low-lying weed that has small, green oval leaves that can spread across lawns with slender stems. The weeds can be found with a single line of fine hairs down one side of the stem and can bloom with small white flowers.
How to get rid of Chickweed
Chickweed can be removed manually from lawns and grass using a hoe or a garden pulling tool to remove the plant and its roots. It’s important to repeat this step numerous times in spring before the Chickweed begins to flower and the seeds begin to spread for further growth.
Large areas of Chickweed can be managed with a large rake or through the use of lawn-safe herbicides.
Once the weed has been removed, make sure to dispose of the waste using a garden waste bin instead of a compost pile, as the seeds may begin to re-sow in the compost pile.
Ivy
What is Ivy?
Ivy is an evergreen climbing plant that can be found throughout the UK. As it is highly tolerant of different shades and soil conditions, Ivy can grow everywhere from hedgerows and garden borders, to up walls, trellising, rocks, fences, and more.
Ivy can grow up to 20-30 metres vertically, growing rapidly in direct sunlight. The plant forms adventitious roots (a type of root that can form from non-root tissue, e.g., from stems, leaves), allowing the plant to adhere and grow vertically across surfaces.
Ivy serves an important role in wildlife, helping to provide shelter from frost to animals, as well as a source of food from its berries for birds.
Ivy, however, can outcompete smaller plants in soils, and lead to damage of brickwork and property, with the roots dislodging old mortar from brickwork as well as trapping moisture against bricks. It is often considered a weed or a point of concern to control in garden spaces to prevent damage.
What does Ivy look like?
Ivy can often be identified by its deep, evergreen leaves. Other colour variations are possible, however, including those with paler-green leaves as well as variegated Ivy where the leaves contain different shades of white or yellow markings.
Ivy leaves are typically leathery in texture and appearance. The plant clings to surfaces using sticky roots, allowing it to cover surfaces such as rocks, walls, and fences with ease. Depending on its rate of growth, level of maintenance, and growth conditions, Ivy can reach heights of up to 30m.
How to Remove and Control Ivy
Depending on your outlook on the plant, you may wish to keep and control the spread of Ivy, or to remove the plant in its entirety.
Whichever you choose, we recommend using manual methods for plant management.
Ivy can be trimmed back using secateurs, trimming the vines at points you wish to remove. Ivy is fast-growing, so pruning it significantly every year in Spring can help to maintain levels of plant growth and spread to your taste.
To remove Ivy completely, cutting the vines at the base of the plant will make the process easiest. Cutting the vines and leaving them for a couple of weeks, this will let the plant die, allowing for the climbing portion to be more easily removed. The ground roots can then be removed with a spade in a separate portion to make removal more manageable.
Prevent the spread of weeds using long-lasting steel
At Steel Landscaping Co., we have been helping homeowners, landowners, horticultural professionals, councils, and beyond to make the most of British landscapes and green spaces for many years.
We offer incredibly long-lasting steel products like steel edging, steel raised beds, and steel garden troughs, which are all exceptionally effective at preventing the spread of weeds.
We’re also proud to offer bespoke design and fabrication services to help you create your ideal garden, with as few weeds as possible. For more information, get in touch with our friendly experts today