There are so many different types of weeds in gardens, and many look very similar. We've got some simple advice on how to identify, control and prevent common weeds in garden beds as well as in paths, driveways and along fence lines.
Weeds are one of the most common garden problems, popping up in lawns, garden beds, paths, paving, vegetable patches and flower beds. They compete with your plants for water, nutrients, light and space, can harbour pests and diseases, and if left untreated, can quickly spread through seeds, bulbs, runners or deep roots.
The good news? With the right approach, you can control existing weeds and help prevent new ones from taking over.
This guide will help you identify different types of garden weeds, understand why they keep coming back, and choose the best weed control method for your garden.
A weed is simply a plant growing where it’s not wanted. Some weeds are fast-growing annuals that complete their life cycle quickly and produce large amounts of seed. Others are persistent perennials that regrow from roots, bulbs, rhizomes or runners.
Common garden weeds in Australia include:
Some weeds are easy to remove by hand, while others need a more targeted approach to control them.
Weeds are naturally tough and opportunistic. They thrive in bare soil, disturbed areas, compacted soil, thin lawns and garden beds with gaps between plants.
Weeds can return because:
Successful weed control is not just about killing weeds. It’s also about improving growing conditions so your lawn and garden plants can outcompete them.
The Best Way to Control Weeds
Before choosing a weed control product, try to identify the weed and where it is growing.
Questions to ask:
If you are unsure what weed you have, start with our handy garden weed guide or compare the weed’s leaves, flowers, roots and growth habit.
Helpful tip: look at the weed leaves, flowers and seeds. This can make identification much easier.
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Understanding the type of weed you have can help you choose the right control method.
Broadleaf weeds have wider leaves and are often easier to distinguish from grass. Many common lawn weeds fall into this category.
Examples include:
Most broadleaf weeds in lawns can be controlled with selective lawn weedkillers like Yates Weed'n'Feed Weed Killer & Lawn Fertiliser or Yates Lawn Weed Killer Bindii & Clover Buffalo Lawn. It's important to know what type of lawn you have, as buffalo lawns are sensitive to some weed killers.
Grassy weeds look similar to lawn grasses, which can make them harder to identify and control.
Examples include:
Some grassy weeds may need spot treatment, hand removal or complete control, depending on their location. For winter grass control in lawns, use Munns Professional Winter Grass Killer. To prevent grass weeds like barnyard grass, crab grass, Parramatta grass, rat's tail fescue, summer grass crowsfoot grass and paspalum in lawns, use Munns Professional Lawn Weed Preventer. Weed control in lawns is important, as this helps reduce the spread of weeds into surrounding garden beds.
Sedges and bulb weeds are often more persistent because they can regrow from underground structures.
Examples include:
These weeds often require targeted control and repeat treatment. To control nutgrass and Mullumbimby couch in lawns, use Munns Professional Nutgrass, Mullumbimby Couch & Broadleaf Weed Killer.
Annual weeds complete their life cycle in one season. They grow, flower, set seed and die, but their seeds can remain in the soil and germinate later.
Examples include:
The key to controlling annual weeds is to remove them before they set seed.
Perennial weeds live for more than one season and may regrow from roots, runners, bulbs or rhizomes.
Examples include:
Perennial weeds often need persistent control and follow-up treatment.
Hand weeding is useful for small weed problems, especially in garden beds and pots.
Best for:
For best results, remove the whole weed, including roots. This is especially important for weeds like dandelions, which can regrow if the taproot is left behind.
Mulch helps suppress weeds by blocking light from reaching the soil surface. It also helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and improve the look of garden beds.
Best for:
Apply mulch after removing existing weeds. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from plant stems and tree trunks to reduce the risk of rot.
Selective weedkillers are designed to control certain weeds without harming specific plants or lawn types when used as directed.
Best for:
Always check the label to make sure the product is suitable for your lawn type or garden situation.
Non-selective weedkillers, such as Yates Zero Weedkiller 490 g/L Super Concentrate and Yates Triple Strike Garden Weedkiller control a wide range of weeds and grasses. They are ideal for areas where you do not want any plants growing.
Best for:
Paths
Driveways
Paving
Fence lines
Around sheds
Bare ground areas
Preparing garden beds before planting
Be careful when using non-selective weedkillers near desirable plants, as spray drift can damage nearby foliage.
Organic* weed control products, such as OCP Slasher, are a good option for gardeners looking for alternatives to conventional herbicides. They are generally best suited to young, actively growing weeds and situations where repeat applications may be needed.
Best for:
Organic gardeners
Paths and paving
Garden edges
Small weeds
Spot-spraying unwanted growth
For best results, apply when weeds are actively growing and thoroughly cover the foliage.
* Approved for use in organic gardens.
Weeds in garden beds compete with flowers, shrubs, vegetables and herbs for moisture and nutrients. They can also make garden beds look untidy and may harbour pests and diseases.
Lawn weeds often appear when grass is thin, stressed or underfed. Common lawn weeds include bindii, clover, dandelion and thistles. Some grassy weeds can be harder to control and may need a different approach.
Weeds often grow in cracks, joins and edges where soil and organic matter collect. These areas are ideal for non-selective weed control.
Extra care is needed when controlling weeds around edible plants. Hand weeding, mulching and prevention are usually the best first steps.
* Approved for use in organic gardens.
Always read the product label before using any weedkiller near edible plants.
Weed prevention is one of the most important parts of long-term weed control. Once weeds flower and set seed, they can create future problems for months or even years.
A healthy, well-maintained garden is one of the best defences against weeds.
What is the best way to get rid of weeds permanently?
The best long-term approach is to remove existing weeds, prevent them from setting seed and improve garden or lawn health so weeds have fewer opportunities to grow. Mulching, regular lawn feeding, hand weeding and using the right weed control product can all help reduce future weed growth.
Why do weeds grow back after spraying?
Some weeds regrow from roots, bulbs, rhizomes or runners. Others return because seeds are already present in the soil. Repeat treatment, prevention and improving garden conditions may be needed for long-term control.
Should I pull weeds or spray them?
It depends on the weed and where it is growing. Hand weeding is ideal for small weeds and weeds growing near desirable plants. Spraying can be useful for larger infestations, weeds in hard surfaces, weeds with a long taproot (like dandelions) or lawn weeds where a suitable selective product is available.
Can I use weedkiller in garden beds?
Yes, but it depends on the product and the situation. Some weedkillers are non-selective and can damage plants you want to keep. Always read the label and apply carefully to avoid spray drift or contact with desirable plants.
How do I stop weeds growing in mulch?
Remove existing weeds before mulching and apply mulch thick enough to reduce light reaching the soil. If weeds appear, remove them while they are small before they establish roots or set seed.
What is the best weedkiller for lawns?
The best lawn weedkiller depends on your lawn type and the weeds you want to control. Some products are not suitable for all grasses, so always check the label before applying, especially on buffalo lawns. For example, Yates Weed'n'Feed Weed Killer & Lawn Fertiliser is ideal for controlling a range of broadleaf weeds in common lawns like kikuyu and couch. Yates Weed'n'Feed Buffalo Lawn Weed Killer & Lawn Fertiliser is ideal for broadleaf weed control in buffalo lawns.
What is the best time to spray weeds?
Weedkillers generally work best when weeds are actively growing and not stressed by drought, frost or heat. Avoid spraying on windy days or when rain is expected, unless the product label states otherwise.
