How to
Controlling Weeds
Weeds are plants that are growing where they’re not wanted. Weeds can take any form and can vary depending on where they grow.
How to beat weeds
- Prevent weeds from taking hold – Keep lawns in good condition. Remove seed heads from weeds. Take care when bringing soil or equipment into the garden.
- Dig them out – hand control of weeds in the early stages is the best method of all. Young weeds are easy to remove and they won’t have had the chance to form seeds that can spread to other parts of the garden.
- Mulching – a layer of mulch will smother weeds and prevent their germination in the soil.
- Herbicides – these are chemicals that kill weeds.
Guide to herbicides
Selective herbicides remove some plant types and leave others unaffected. They are mostly used to remove weeds from lawns.
Examples are:
- Bindii and clover controls. These weeds are also termed ‘broadleafed’ weedkillers.
- Weed ‘n’ Feed products. These remove weeds from the lawn while, at the same time, fertilising the lawn.
- Winter grass killers. These products remove winter grass (a cool season grass) from certain types of lawns.
- Moss and algae killers. Are used to remove moss, algae and lichens from lawns and hard surfaces.
Non-selective herbicides (also called total herbicides) kill every plant they contact.
Examples are:
- Glyphosate – moves through the plant to the roots. Usually takes 2-3 weeks to take effect. Soil is unaffected by glyphosate and can be planted as soon as plants have died.
- Woody Weeders – very effective control for unwanted trees and shrubs (check local regulations before removing trees).
- Once-A-Year Path Weeders – control existing weeds and leave a weed-killing residue in the soil (that lasts for up to 12 months).
Tips for applying herbicides
- Read and follow label instructions carefully.
- When applying to large areas (such as lawns) carefully measure the area to be covered.
- Weedkillers work most effectively when the plant is actively growing (usually spring, summer, autumn).
- Keep glyphosate mixes free of soil or dirt.
Tips for mulching
- Make sure the soil is moist before applying mulch.
- Don’t allow mulch directly contact plant material.
Shopping list
- Yates Waterwise Mulch
- Zero Bindii & Clover Weeder
- Zero Moss & Algae Gun
- Lush Bindii & Broadleaf Lawn Weeder
- Yates Winter Grass Killer
- Zero Glyphosate
- Zero Once-A-Year Path Weeder
- Zero Woody Weeder
- Yates Zero Weeding Brush
| Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray Weed’n’Feed before weeds flower and seed. Start a compost heap to create mulch. | Use Yates Winter Grass Killer to remove winter grass from lawns. Treat moss and algae with Zero Moss & Algae Gun. | Treat lawns for bindii, clover and broadleafed weeds. Apply mulch to garden beds. | Feed lawns to maintain good cover and keep weed from invading. Spray weeds with glyphosate. |
Comments (1)
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angie
Yates site member
21:51, 19 March 2011
I have had a lot of problems with clover but spraying them regularly 2-3 weeks apart it is successfully taking control of them. I am using the Weed'n'Feed on broadleafed weeds and it is slowly working,but needs regular treatment.
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