We love spring here at Lawn Solutions Australia! Spring is when your garden and lawn grow with more exuberance, and the greenery comes to life. But so do many warm-season weeds and some turf-related pests. In this blog, we look at the best way to prevent lawn grubs and weeds from infiltrating your lawn.
Preventing Turf Weeds
You can prevent annual summer and winter grass weeds with a pre-emergent herbicide like 3kg Oxafert and 20kg Oxafert Plus. Pre-emergent herbicides work by targeting seasonal grass weed seedlings during germination, stopping them before they appear on your lawn. As a bonus, both Oxafert and Oxafert Plus contain a fertiliser component that provide nutrients to the lawn and help keep it healthy! Oxafert Plus also contains an additional insecticide component.
When applying Oxafert and Oxafert Plus it is best to time your applications just before the seedlings are set to germinate. To stop seasonal summer weeds like Summer Grass and Crowsfoot it is best to apply in spring before the temperatures rise. For seasonal winter weeds like Winter Grass, best to apply in autumn when the temperatures are getting cooler in your area. The exact time to apply pre-emergents will depend on your local climate and current weather conditions.
Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a barrier at the soil level. This barrier affects the germination of any new seedlings. Remember, it won’t kill existing weeds; it will prevent germination. So, as the temperatures warm up and the weed seed springs to life, Oxafert kills them before they emerge.
To prevent Summer Grass and Crowsfoot weeds, use 3kg of Oxafert per 100m2. To prevent Winter Grass and Creeping Oxalis weeds use 4kg of Oxafert per 100m2. Spread the granules evenly over dry foliage, and water in after application with at least 10mm of water.
Preventing Lawn Grubs
Grub Guard Ultimate, Acelepryn GR and Acelepryn Liquid provides safe and effective control of a wide range of insects while minimizing environmental impact and non-target organisms like Bees and Earthworms. Acelepryn works by targeting a specific muscle receptor that is common in damaging causing insects. Other non-target organisms like Bees, Earthworms, Birds, Fish, and mammals don’t use the same muscle receptors, making it one of the safest insecticides on the market!
Acelepryn targets pests such as Black Beetle, Stem Weevil, Cut Worm, and Army Worm. The great thing about Acelepryn GR compared to other pesticides is that it’s not only curative but also preventative.
Acelepryn is best applied at six monthly intervals to provide year-round protection. We recommend using Acelepryn in September/October and again in March/April as a general guide. These two applications will prevent lawn grubs throughout the entire year.
Grub Guard Ultimate
For treating Lawn Curl Grub, Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug larvae, spread the granules evenly 750g – 1.5kg per 100m2. We recommend using a calibrated spreader to ensure the granules are spread evenly to the lawn. After the granules have been spread out, lightly water in immediately after application.
For treating Caterpillars including Lawn Armyworm, Black Cutworm, and Sod Webworm, spread the granules evenly 750g per 100m2.We recommend using a calibrated spreader to ensure the granules are spread evenly to the lawn. After application, delay mowing and watering for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, water the granules in.
Acelepryn GR Granules
For treating beetle larvae including African black beetle, Argentine Scarab, Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug Larvae, spread the granules evenly, 1-2kg per 100m2. We recommend using a calibrated spreader to ensure the granules are spread evenly to the lawn. You can also spread the granules by hand. After the granules have been spread out, give the granules a water in with a minimum of 3mm irrigation.
For Caterpillars including Cutworm, Armyworm, and Sod Worm, spread the granules evenly, 1kg per 100m2. Again, we recommend using a calibrated spreader for an even application. You can also spread the granules by hand. After application, delay mowing and watering for 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed, water the granules in.
Acelepryn Liquid
For treating Lawn Curl Grub (Beetle larvae including: African Black Beetle larvae Argentinian Scarab larvae), Argentine Stem Weevil larvae and Billbug larvae, you can apply through a garden sprayer or watering can. For a garden sprayer use 8 – 15 mL per 5-10 L of water per 100 m2. For a watering can, mix 1.5 mL in 9 L of water and evenly apply to 10 m2. Apply the higher rate for up to 6 months residual protection, cases of high pest pressure, and late in season when mature grubs are present. Lightly water in immediately after application when applying by garden sprayer.
For treating Caterpillars including Lawn Armyworm, Black Cutworm, and Sod Webworm, apply through a garden sprayer. Use 8 mL per 5-10 L of water per 100 m2. To ensure optimum control, delay watering or mowing for 24 hours after application.
With these tips you will be able to prevent lawn grubs and weeds throughout your lawn.
For more lawn care tips and advice, check out our other lawn care blogs here.
