It’s almost time to begin enjoying your beautiful lawn in the warming, sunny weather of spring. However, you may be finding that your winter lawn has sprouted a few challenges of its own. You may find a selection of different weeds common to all of our lawns. Or maybe you have found some annual or perennial grasses that just don’t belong.
The very best way to control weeds in your lawn is to remove the roots and all before they seed. Using a tool to dig out roots and remove the entire plant by hand can be time-consuming but is generally the most effective solution. Keep reading for further strategies, which may also be beneficial.
Strategy 1 – Prevention
Know the ideal cutting height for your turf. Cutting your lawn at this height promotes good health and strong growth. To outcompete weed growth cutting the best length for your turf and not allowing it to get too long is crucial. You also need to be sure watering and fertilising are happening correctly. This will ensure the health of your lawn!
When your grass is a little longer (best length for your lawn) it will shade the ground, keeping it cooler. This retards seed germination but if seeds do sprout they don’t have as much sunlight needed for hardy growth.
Cutting regularly also removes the head of the weeds stopping the seeding cycle.
Strategy 2 – Know your weeds
Broadleaf weeds – Includes any weeds with leaves such as dandelions and clover.
Perennial Grassy weeds – Includes quack grass. This grass is dormant over winter like your lawn. It germinates in the warmer weather and spreads through roots and seeds.
Annual Grassy weeds – Including crabgrass
Each of these weeds will need a unique product and application. Some treatments are time-sensitive to work effectively. Others may be done at any time during the growing season. Do some more research to be completely sure of what will work best for your particular turf.
Strategy 3 – Choose your defence
- For a small number of weeds use a small pressure sprayer and focus on the individual weed with a non-selective weed killer.
- For patches of weeds, you may need to use a standard tank sprayer. Be aware that inadvertently spraying your lawn will also kill the grass so pay attention! Be sure to clean the tank and wand thoroughly after use.
- For all-over lawn weed control, you will need to use a hose attached sprayer. Be sure to use a selective weed control for this type of treatment. Non-selective sprays will kill your turf as well as the weeds. Be sure to read instructions carefully and know your turf. Some selective sprays cannot be used on certain turf types.
Strategy 4 – Kill perennial grassy weeds individually
In order to manage these grassy types, you will need to use a non-selective chemical compound.
These will kill everything they touch so be careful!
Wear a rubber glove under a cheap cloth glove for protection. Dip the cloth glove into the chemicals and wipe upwards from the base of the grass. The chemical will absorb into the root and kill the grassy weed. Some hardy survivors may need a second or third treatment.
Strategy 5 – Mulch your garden beds thickly
To maintain a weed-free garden, mulch is the best option. If you need to kill weeds in your garden bed first an easy solution may be pouring boiling water over the weeds. Stay away from your plants! This will mean no chemical residue and established plants won’t suffer from contamination.
Questions about weed control and turf types are our speciality. Call us at Rivers Edge Turf on 02 4579 9009 for some tips on getting your lawn on its way to health and eliminating pesky weeds.
