The noxious bull thistle is a broadleaf weed in the Asteraceae family and is easily recognizable by their bright pink or purple flowers that are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter that usually bloom in early June and are present until fall. The underside of the flower is lined with protective spines. Bull thistle is also known as a common thistle, roadside thistle or plumed thistle. Bull thistle weeds thrive in soils rich in nitrogen and require only moderate moisture. Just one bull thistle weed is capable of producing over 4,000 seeds, which obviously will turn into future adult weeds next year. These unwanted pests are common in pastures and roadsides, but do end up in many Palm Beach County lawns.
Small infestations of bull thistle can usually be manually pulled, but make sure and get the entire root. Widespread infestations of bull thistle weed can be controlled with a post emergent herbicide application, but many of these products will also kill your sod grass and ornamental landscaping so try to spot spray only the weeds themselves.
Spot-Spraying Using a Broad-Leaf Herbicide Labeled for Thistle is the Best Remedy For Bull Thistle Weeds in South Florida
Roundup® is a herbicide product that will kill just about everything green, so be careful when using this product to kill bull thistle as it will damage your lawn and ornamental landscaping plants as well.
Just like other weeds, bull thistle will compete with your desired sod grass for nutrients and water. So once again the healthier and thicker your lawn is, the harder it is for bull thistle weeds to take root in the first place. Professional fertilization service and pest control combined with weed control is the best way to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn in Palm Beach County.
Why not leave your bull thistle weed problems to the professionals. Our locally owned and operated company can keep your lawn looking great with complete professional weed control service. We have been treating West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and Jupiter, Florida residential and commercial lawns for decades and have the experience to get the job done right.
We offer natural, environmentally friendly and pet friendly lawn weed control products as an option to our clients. Our experienced technicians can discuss your concerns and the options available to you.
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