What is the best way to control weeds in an established bed of lilly turf. The turf is very dense and it is very difficult to hand pull all of the weeds and get the root. Can I spray with a selective herbicide -- will that also kill the lilly turf? Is there anything more environmentally friendly that I can use to control weeds (this bed of turf is in a courtyard at a PV school). Thank you, Lona

Hi,

Controlling weeds in a ground cover can be tricky. There are herbicides that can safely be used in liriope and in your case you say that the species is spicata which is good to know because some herbicides are meant for the species muscari and not for spicata. For your bed, Acclaim, Fusilade and Ornamec are safe to use "over the top" in controlling existing grassy weeds. Basagran is also safe to use and it is used to control exisitng grasses and some broadleaf weeds. In any case you need to read the label regarding application methods,timing and mixing for best and safe use of the product.