Which of the following weeds is known to be easy to control and has large smooth leaves?

Dock is known for its large, smooth leaves and can be easier to control compared to some other weed species. It typically features broad leaves that can grow quite large, making it recognizable. The management of dock often involves cultural practices such as mowing and proper lawn maintenance, which can help reduce its competitiveness in turf areas. Additionally, certain herbicides are effective against dock, making it manageable for turf professionals.

In this context, other weeds like chickweed, dandelion, and thistles present more complexities in control. Chickweed is a biennial weed that can spread rapidly, particularly in moist conditions, and may not have as clear of a control strategy. Dandelion, recognized for its deep taproot, often requires more focused control efforts to manage effectively. Thistles, on the other hand, have a persistent nature and can quickly spread through seeds and vegetative reproduction, often requiring more disruptive control methods.

Thus, dock stands out as a weed that is both easily identifiable due to its leaf structure and generally simpler to control in comparison to the challenges posed by the other options.