It is always easier to control weeds from the outset than to try to remove them once they are out of hand. By growing a suitable lawn species for your area, keeping it healthy, well maintained and at the right mowing height for your chosen variety, you’ll have a let up on the neighbours.
Weeds are easily dispersed in numerous ways; airborne seds; soles of shoes; infested soils; manures and conditioners; animals; birds and mowing equipment.
The trick is to get onto them early. Dig them out by hand when they are young and small and easy to remove. Once they get large it becomes harder and if they set seed they can spread all over your lawn and garden – bad news!
LAWN HEIGHT
Longer lawns with a dense growth habit are better equipped to naturally out-compete weeds, making it had for them to germinate. Scalping and mowing your lawn too short is an open invitation for weed infestation. Regular mowing encourages a thick, healthy lawn.
compaction
Compacted soils make life difficult for lawns but provide ideal conditions for some weeks. Bindii being a perfect example. Remove seed head weeds before they go to seed. Always remember the old gardening adage – one year’s seeding, seven years weeding.
HAND REMOVAL
Many small weeds can be carefully pulled out by hand, but you need to get the roots out. Using a weeding trowel or long handled, mechanical device and prizing around the roots will help ensure total removal.
The bigger the weed, the bigger and stronger the roots. In some cases, a weed spray might be necessary. It’s strongly recommended that you consult your local nursery or turf expert to first properly identify the weed so you can treat it with an appropriate and effective spray.
HERBICIDES
There are various herbicides available, including non-selective and selective. Nonselective products kill most plants including your lawn; selective herbicides target specific weeds only.
You need to check a product’s suitability for use on your lawn. Many are not suitable for buffalo lawn.
APPLICATION
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the pack. Weeding brushes and wands are a good way to hit many weeds, delivering the herbicide in a controlled manner.
Products like Round-Up® and Zero® contain glyphosate as the active constituent and are safe to use. Glyphosate is a non-residual herbicide. if you have concerns about any chemicals, please contact the manufacturer for advice.