How to
Weed Control - Lawns
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
- Zero Weedkiller Rapid
- Yates Waterwise Mulch
- Zero Bindii & Clover Weeder
- Lush Bindii & Broadleaf Lawn Weeder
- Yates Winter Grass Killer
- Zero Glyphosate
- Zero Once-A-Year Path Weeder
- Zero Woody Weeder
- Yates Zero Weeding Brush
Weed control calendar
| Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spray Yates Zero Glyphosate before weeds flower and seed. Start a compost heap to create mulch. | Use Yates Winter Grass Killer to remove winter grass from lawns. | 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 Yates Zero glyphosate. |
Comments (4)
Add a comment
This area is for general comments from the Yates Garden Club community. Questions posted here will not receive a reply from Yates. For specific gardening advice visit Ask an Expert
Nicholas
Yates site member
17:43, 06 April 2011
My client has Queensland blue couch,I am aware that your winter grass killer if used per instructions would be to strong. Could I possible reduce the amount?
Alimah
Yates site member
11:15, 25 June 2011
Controlling Weeds is the first video I've watched and found it easy to understand/follow. Together with the valuable information, many of the general tips were based on pure common sense. I found it particularly informative as I am a practical hands on learner. Thanks.
Deirdre
Yates site member
11:24, 16 November 2011
I wonder why all the weed killer packs have such small levers - barely big enough for two fingers. PLEASE COULD YOU SELL YOUR WEED KILLER WITH A DECENT SIZE LEVER! I find laundry spray packs are easier to use, but surely some research could produce a lever which doesn't wreck one's fingers in two minutes!!!
Justin
Yates site member
17:09, 08 December 2011
Help: clover attack! My grass is being overtaken by clover. Any advice? Also, I recently had to treat it for lawn beetle and I had weeded it by hand a couple of weeks ago leaving quite large patches in what lawn I had. Has this had any detrimental effect on my lawn?
Add your reply