As a homeowner, one of the biggest struggles is knowing how to kill weeds in your lawn. One of the most common issues that can damage the look and feel of your lawn is the presence of weeds. Weeds are pesky plants that can take over your lawn if not properly controlled. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for removing and preventing weeds from growing in your lawn.
Table of contents
1.1 Dandelions
1.2 Bindii
1.3 Oxalis
1.4 Clover
1.5 Thistles
1.6 Winter grass
1.7 Crab grass
1.8 Paspalum
1.9 Nut grass
1.10 Mullumbimby couch
1.11 Summer grass
4. Herbicides
8. FAQ's
Understanding the Different Types of Weeds
Before you start removing weeds, it's important to understand the different types of weeds that can grow in your lawn.
Broadleaf weeds are the most common type of weed that homeowners encounter.
These weeds have a broad leaf and typically grow faster than grass.
Examples of broadleaf weeds include:
Dandelions
Bindii
Oxalis
Clover
Thistles
Grassy weeds, on the other hand, have thin blades and look similar to grass.
Both types of weeds can cause damage to your lawn and need to be removed.
Examples of grass weeds include:
Winter grass
Crab grass
Paspalum
Nut grass
Mullumbimby couch
Summer grass
Methods of How to Kill Weeds in Your Lawn
Weeds can be effectively removed using a variety of methods, including hand removal, regular lawn mowing and herbicide treatment.
The best approach will depend on the types of weeds present in your lawn and your personal preferences.
Manual Weed Removal
One of the most effective methods for removing weeds is manual removal.
This method involves physically pulling the weeds out of the ground by hand.
Manual weed removal can be time-consuming, but it's a great way to remove weeds without the use of harmful chemicals.
To effectively remove weeds manually, you need to make sure you pull out the entire root system.
If you only pull out the top of the weed, it will grow back quickly.
Weeding tools
Bunnings is a popular home improvement store in Australia that provides a wide range of weeding tools to help homeowners keep their lawns and gardens weed-free.
Here are some of the different weeding tools available from Bunnings:
1. Hand Weeder - This is a basic weeding tool that is designed to remove weeds from the roots. It has a pointed end that can be used to dig out the weed and a handle for better grip.
2. Weed Puller - This is a tool that is designed to remove weeds by pulling them out of the ground. It has a long handle that allows you to reach weeds in hard-to-reach areas and a claw-like end that grips the weed for removal. The Fiskars brand is the most effective tool I've used.
3. Garden Hoe - This is a versatile tool that can be used for many gardening tasks, including weeding. It has a sharp blade that can be used to slice weeds at the roots or loosen them from the soil.
4. Weed Sprayer - This is a handheld device that can be used to apply herbicides and other weed-killing solutions to the weeds in your lawn or garden. It is a convenient and easy-to-use tool that can help you cover large areas quickly.
5. Weed Torch - This is a tool that uses heat to kill weeds. It is a great option for environmentally conscious homeowners who want to avoid using herbicides. The weed torch can be used to quickly and easily kill weeds without damaging surrounding plants.
Mowing Your Lawn
Mowing your lawn is another effective way to control weeds.
When you mow your lawn, you remove the top of the weeds, which makes it harder for them to grow back.
Make sure you keep your lawn mower blade sharp, as a dull blade can cause damage to your lawn and make it easier for weeds to grow.
Additionally, you should adjust the height of your lawn mower based on the type of grass you have.
Taller grass shades the soil and makes it harder for weeds to grow.
Using Herbicides
If manual weed removal and mowing aren't effective, you may need to use herbicides to kill weeds in your lawn.
Herbicides are chemical solutions that kill weeds without harming your lawn.
There are several different types of herbicides available, including selective and non-selective herbicides.
Selective herbicides are designed to kill specific types of weeds such as Yates Bindii and Clover weedkiller.
Non-selective herbicides will kill anything they come into contact with such as Roundup.
It's important to read the label of the herbicide carefully to ensure that you're using the right type of herbicide for your lawn.
Recommended Selective Herbicides:
Professional lawn care experts in Australia use a variety of selective herbicides to control weeds in their clients' lawns.
Here are some of the commonly used selective herbicides and a brief summary of their properties:
Bin-Die: This is a popular herbicide used to control a range of broadleaf weeds in lawns, including clover, dandelion, and bindii.
Sedgehammer: This herbicide is used to control sedge weeds in lawns, which can be particularly difficult to remove. It contains the active ingredient halosulfuron-methyl and is safe to use on most turfgrass species.
Monument: This herbicide is used to control a range of grassy weeds in lawns, including kikuyu, couch, and paspalum.
Bow and Arrow is often recommended by professional lawn care experts as a go-to herbicide for homeowners looking to improve the health and appearance of their lawn. It can be applied to a wide range of turf types including buffalo, couch and kikuyu.
Preventing Weeds from Growing
Preventing weeds from growing in the first place is the best way to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn.
One effective way to prevent weeds from growing is to ensure that your lawn is healthy.
This means making sure your lawn is properly watered, fertilized, and aerated.
Additionally, Pre-emergent herbicides may be unfamiliar with home owners but are the go to method commonly used by lawn care professionals to prevent the germination and growth of weeds in lawns.
Pre-emergent Herbicides
This method is highly effective in ensuring that clients' lawns remain healthy, green, and free from unsightly weeds.
By applying pre-emergent herbicides before the weed seeds germinate, lawn experts can create a barrier that prevents the weeds from taking root and growing.
This not only keeps the lawn looking its best but also reduces the need for future weed control treatments.
Oxafert, Spartan, Barricade, and Freehand are all pre-emergent herbicides that work by preventing weed seeds from germinating.
However, they differ in their active ingredients and the types of weeds they are most effective against.
Oxafert
Oxafert is effective against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
It can be used on a wide range of turfgrass species but is not recommended for cool season grasses such as rye grass and fescue and should be avoided for newly seeded lawns.
It can also be used in landscape beds and around ornamental trees and shrubs.
However, a negative is that it only active for approximately 2-3 months.
Spartan
Spartan is effective against annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, as well as some grassy weeds. It can be used on a wide range of turfgrass species, including couch, kikuyu grass and buffalo grass.
A positive is it can last for approximately 6 months.
Barricade
Barricade is effective against annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It can be used on a variety of turfgrass species and is the most popular choice for lawn care experts.
Freehand
Freehand is effective against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. It can be used on a variety of turfgrass and is available at Bunnings.
However, a negative is that it only active for approximately 2-3 months.
Product | Price (per unit in AUD) | Application Rate (per 100m² in ml) |
Oxafert | $140 - $170 | 4000 |
Spartan | $120 | 10 - 30 |
Barricade | $230 - $300 | 10 - 40 |
Freehand | $45 - $50 | 1000-2000 |
Killing weeds in your lawn requires time, effort, and patience.
It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for weed control.
The most effective approach will depend on the type of weeds you're dealing with, the size of your lawn, and your personal preferences.
However, with the right tools and techniques, you can remove weeds and prevent them from growing, giving you a beautiful and healthy lawn to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I remove weeds from my lawn without killing the grass?
One option is to manually remove the weeds by hand, being careful to pull up the entire root system. Another option is to use a selective herbicide that targets the specific weed species without harming the surrounding grass.
How often should I apply weed killer to my lawn?
The frequency of weed killer applications depends on the specific product and the severity of the weed infestation. Some products may require multiple applications throughout the growing season, while others may only require one or two applications.
Is it safe to use weed killer around pets and children?
It's important to follow the instructions on the weed killer product carefully, as some may pose a risk to pets and children if ingested. It's also important to keep pets and children off the treated area until the product has dried completely.
How long should I wait before reseeding my lawn after using weed killer?
The waiting period before reseeding a lawn after using weed killer varies depending on the specific product. Some products may require a waiting period of several weeks or even months before reseeding is safe.
Can I use organic methods to remove weeds from my lawn?
Yes, there are several organic methods for weed removal, including manual weeding, using organic herbicides, and applying natural weed suppressants such as mulch or rocks.
If I add a more weed killer than what the product label suggests will it kill the weeds more effectively?
No. If anything, it could have the opposite effect and you will only be wasting the products contents and your own money.
How can I prevent weeds from growing in my lawn in the first place?
Preventive measures include maintaining healthy soil with proper fertilisation and watering, regularly mowing the lawn to the correct height, and using pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating. It's also important to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to weed growth, such as poor drainage or soil compaction.
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