How to Control Weeds in My Lawn

Spring is a prime season for weeds, and your lawn is likely bidding farewell to winter weeds such as winter grass and soursob. However, it’s important to stay vigilant, as spring lawn weeds like Clover and Bindii are now making their appearance.

In this blog, we will explore a range of common lawn weeds and discuss effective methods for managing them.

Weed Activity in Your Lawn

As the soil temperature rises, you might notice weeds popping up on your lawn. Most of these will be broadleaf weeds, which are characterised by the presence of leaves as opposed to blades. But identifying the specific types can feel like solving a mystery; juvenile weeds often look completely different from their mature selves. Fortunately, it’s not critical to know the exact weed type; knowing the group they belong to can be enough to guide your herbicide choices.

Effective Strategies for Managing Weeds in Your Lawn

The most effective way to manage these weeds is by maintaining a healthy lawn that makes it difficult for them to take hold and spread. Taking a proactive approach by removing weeds as soon as they appear—before they have a chance to seed—will be crucial in preventing them from becoming a larger problem. It’s always easier to address weeds early on than to deal with an out-of-control infestation later.

Post-Emergent Herbicides

If the weeds have already made themselves comfortable in your lawn, a selective herbicide may be your best bet. It’s crucial to apply the right chemical; using the wrong one can either be ineffective or harmful to your grass.

We recommend Bow and Arrow for controlling tough weeds like creeping Oxalis and Clover, while Amgrow Bin-Die can also help with most broadleaf weeds.

To check out more post-emergent herbicides click here.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Weeds tend to scatter their seeds into the soil, and as you remove the visible ones, new seeds may germinate. The solution lies in pre-emergent control. After managing the existing weeds, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Spartan, which effectively stops seeds from germinating and significantly reduces the chances of re-infestation.

To stop Crabgrass and Summer Grass from returning, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert. This product is suitable for most warm-season turf varieties. We recommend always checking the label and using it as instructed.

Timing is essential; applying pre-emergents in early to mid-spring gives you the best chance of keeping your lawn pristine. Keep in mind that if you had bad infestations in previous years or if surrounding properties are infested, more than one application may be necessary.

To check out more pre-emergent herbicides click here.

Here are some useful tips to consider when applying herbicides:

• Ensure you’re using the right chemical. If you’re in doubt, give us a call – we’re here to help!
• Avoid application before rain or dew.
• Spray the entire lawn (no spot-spraying!). Check out our sprayers here.
• Always apply chemicals exactly as per the label.
• Add a wetting agent – a little goes a long way! This can help your spray stick better to the leaves of the weeds.
• Choose a warmer day for spraying.
• Use a pressure sprayer for more reliable results. Avoid hose-on applicators. They may seem convenient, but they can lead to inconsistent application.
• Some weeds require multiple treatments to fully eradicate.

Not a DIY person? That’s okay. We recommend and offer a service which is a combination of liquid fertiliser and broadleaf weed treatment: Seaweed and Gone. This is an exclusive and unique product to Akers of Lawn. It was purposefully designed as an all-in-one fertiliser, weed killer, and weed deterrent. To make sure Seaweed and Gone® is the right treatment for your lawn, it is recommended you start with a health assessment first to start you on the right track. You can request this for free here.