Is your lawn looking a bit sparse and you are constantly facing an uphill battle of weeds in your lawn? In this blog, we look at how you can achieve a thicker lawn that can naturally block out weeds from growing.
A thicker lawn is better able to block out weeds as there is less space in the profile for the weed to grow. When your lawn is thick and healthy, there is also an increased competition for resources, including soil, nutrients, and sunlight. Without the weed having access to these resources, it becomes challenging for weeds to grow.
How can I help thicken up my lawn?
Now that we know thicker lawns are better at stopping weeds let’s look at how you can thicken your lawn.
How can mowing make my lawn thicker?
Mowing is an important factor to help keep your lawn thick. When incorrect mowing techniques are used your lawn will be more stressed and will become thin and sparce. So how should I be mowing my lawn?
Mowing regularly will help promote lateral growth. It is this lateral growth that helps your lawn become thicker. Mowing regularly at the same height will allow for consistent nutrients within the grass, keeping it healthy. We recommend mowing regularly enough so that only removing one-third of the leaf with each mow. When a lawn isn’t mown regularly, it causes the grass to go under stress as lots of the leaf blade is removed. This can cause your lawn to thin out, making it more susceptible to weeds.
Mowing your lawn in different directions will also help keep your lawn thick. If you always mow your lawn in the same direction, the grass tends to stay pointed in that direction. By mowing in different directions, you will help the leaf grow straight up, leaving more room for the blades to grow in next to it.
Will fertilising my lawn help it grow thicker?
Applying fertiliser will help give your lawn a boost in growth. By providing the lawn with the nutrients it needs, you will help with the overall health of the lawn. When it comes to using fertiliser, it is best to use a well-rounded fertiliser that contains all the nutrients your lawn needs. Something like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is ideal to help thicken your lawn to block out weeds.
Increasing sunlight to shaded areas
Is your lawn struggling to thicken up in highly shaded areas? Turf is like any other plant; it needs sunlight to photosynthesise and grow. Shade-tolerant turf types like buffalo, usually need a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct light. Other turf types like couch and kikuyu will usually require more sunlight, usually 5-6 hours minimum to thrive. If your lawn is struggling due to insufficient light, we recommend improving light to the area where possible by pruning back some of the surrounding trees and shrubs. Check out our blog for more information here.
Will aerating help thicken my lawn?
When soil is compacted and hard, it can be difficult for air, nutrients, and water to reach down to your lawn’s roots. By aerating your soil and decompacting the soil base, your lawn will be able to grow its roots deep into the soil to produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. Aeration is also advantageous as it can help prevent many compaction-related problems including drainage issues, bare patches, fungal disease, dryness and more.
So, how do you aerate your lawn? You can aerate manually using a sturdy garden fork if you have a small area. Simply insert the fork into the lawn and wriggle it back and forth to fracture the soil profile. If you have a larger area, consider using a spiked roller or hiring out a motorised lawn aerator. For more information on aerating your lawn, check out our blog here.
We hope this blog has shared some insights on how you can thicken up your lawn to better block out weeds. For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
ColourGuard Plus is a fantastic lawn pigment that can instantly improve your lawn’s colour. ColourGuard is especially great to use in winter when lawns can naturally lose some colour. In this blog, we go into detail of how to apply both the ready-to-use and concentrate ColourGuard Plus.
Is ColourGuard Plus safe to use on all lawn types? Yes, ColourGuard is safe to use on all lawn types!
Is ColourGuard Plus safe to use around pets? Yes, it is safe to use around pets. However, we recommend keeping pets off the lawn for a few hours to ensure the pigment has properly dried and absorbed into the leaf. After the pigment has been absorbed, we also recommend watering the lawn to wash off any excess product the grass hasn’t absorbed.
Can ColourGuard Plus be used year-round? Yes, it can be applied at any time throughout the year.
How long will the pigment last on the lawn for? Once applied, the pigment is locked into the leaf. Therefore, the pigment will be removed with the leaf when the lawn is mown.
What can I do if I apply the ColourGuard to another surface? If you apply the pigment to another surface, it is best to wash it off immediately with water to avoid staining.
Will ColourGuard Plus work on dead grass? As this product needs to be absorbed into the leaf of the grass, it will work best on a lawn that is healthy. If applied to a dead lawn, the grass won’t be able to absorb the pigment. It may still give it a slight green up; however, it won’t work as effectively when applied to healthy grass.
PRECAUTIONS
• Do not apply to wet or dew affected grass
• Avoid footpaths, driveways and other hard surfaces
• Allow up to 24 hours before desired result
• Allow adequate time for lawn to dry before walking on or applying water
• It’s advisable to water well 2 to 3 days after application to wash off any excess.
IMPORTANT CLEANING INFORMATION
For common hard surfaces like concrete, we recommend using a two to one mixture of white vinegar and bi-carb soda and scrubbing with a scrubbing brush. Leave this for 5 minutes or so and then remove with a clean cloth or hose it off.
For tiles specifically, but also sealed concrete, one of the most effective methods is to scrub with lemon juice concentrate, using the same method.
If the stain is on a porous hard surface or is being particularly stubborn you can use a dedicated concrete cleaner – If doing so, be sure to follow label rates and instructions to avoid damaging grout or concrete when using these products.
Due to the porous nature of some hard surfaces, some stains may not be removable, but should fade with time.
Unsealed Concrete or porous surfaces – Concrete Cleaner
Tiles or Sealed Concrete – Lemon juice, Vinegar & Bi-Carb Soda
SAFETY:
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If contact occurs, flush with water and consult a doctor. May be harmful if swallowed. If accidental ingestion occurs consult a doctor.
See Material Safety Data Sheet below and additional information at lawnsolutionsaustralia.com.au or please call 1300 883 711. Lawn Solutions Australia is not responsible for any misuse of this product.
Dew and frost are natural phenomena that occur on the surface of the earth. As a lawn owner, you may wonder what the effects of dew and frost on your lawn are and if you should be concerned. In this blog, we will explore the causes of dew and frost and their impact on your lawn.
Dew and frost on a lawn will form like condensation on a cup when cold water is poured in. Dew and frost can form on lawns as the temperatures drop overnight and the temperature of the grass cools down. When the grass becomes cool enough, the once warm air that surrounds the grass can cool also. When this happens, the water vapour in the air around the grass can no longer hold as much water, causing tiny water droplets to form on the grass. This is known as dew.
If the temperatures are cool enough (below freezing, 0 degrees Celsius), the water may turn into a solid (ice) and cause frost on the lawn.
FACT – Did you know that humid areas are more likely to experience dew? This is due to the air holding more moisture.
Does dew affect my lawn?
Now you might be asking yourself, does dew affect my lawn? No, dew won’t affect your lawn, and it will simply dry once the sun comes back up.
However, if your lawn has dew, we recommend waiting until it has dried to mow. While your lawn is wet with dew, the water droplets can cause the leaf blade to bend. If the lawn is mown when the leaf is bent, the mower can miss the leaf. Once the lawn dries, the leaf will stand back tall, resulting in an uneven look.
FACT – Did you know areas that need to be mown in the early morning like golf courses, will often brush off the dew before mowing?
Will frost affect my lawn?
Like dew, frost will dry with the morning sun. On warm-season grasses like buffalo, couch, zoysia and kikuyu, frost can cause discolouration and damage to the leaf blade of the grass.
Here are a few tips to help minimise the effect of frost on your lawn:
Keep off the lawn whenever there is frost on it. This includes mowing. By walking across it, you are causing the blades to break and cause more damage.
A light watering in the morning before the sun rises can help the frost on the lawn melt. By watering the lawn, the frost will melt quicker and more evenly. A very quick water of 30 seconds to a minute will do the job.
The health of your lawn is one of the most important factors in ensuring your turf can tolerate frosts. Using a fertiliser with increased iron before winter will help strengthen your lawn for the frosty months ahead.
If your lawn has become affected by frosts and you want to improve the colour of your lawn, why not use a lawn pigment like ColourGuard Plus to restore your lawns colour instantly!
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our lawn care page here.
When it comes to lawn care, there are some activities that your turf will praise you for, but others that should be avoided. In this blog, we look at what lawn care mistakes to avoid that can cause more damage than good.
One common lawn care mistake is not mowing your lawn frequently enough. Not mowing your lawn frequently can result in having an overgrown lawn and can cause extra stress to your grass. This stress can make your lawn thin and sparse, especially after mowing.
So how should I mow my lawn? We recommend using the one-third rule when mowing. This rule looks at mowing your lawn regularly enough so that only one-third of the leaf is removed with each pass. During the cooler months, the lawn will be growing at a slower rate. This means you won’t need to mow as frequently. However, during the warmer months, you will need to mow more frequently to keep up with accelerated growth.
2. Compacted Soil Base
When a lawns soil base is compacted, it can be more difficult for water, nutrients, and air to travel down to your lawn’s roots. It also makes it more difficult for your lawn to establish a good root system. Some issues that can arise from a compacted soil base include drainage issues, bare patches, weeds, dry patch, and fungal diseases, to name a few.
What can a compacted soil base be caused from? Compaction mainly occurs when there is heavy traffic on your lawn and a lack of water.
So, what should you do if your lawn has a compacted soil base? We recommend giving your lawn an aerate with a garden fork or use a tyne aerator to help alleviate compaction. For more information on how to aerate your lawn, check out our blog here.
3. Over-fertilising Your Lawn
Applying fertilisers to your lawn is a good thing and can help improve the health of your lawn. But too much of a good thing can cause harm to your lawn. Over-fertilising your lawn will cause sudden plant growth. The problem with this is that the roots won’t experience the same amount of rapid growth and will then be unable to supply the water and nutrients your grass needs. In addition, as fertiliser is primarily made up of mineral salts, excessive fertilising will cause salts to build up in the soil, making it difficult for water to be absorbed, drying out your grass, causing discolouration and possibly even plant death if bad enough.
When applying fertilisers to your lawn, it is best always to follow the correct application rate and instructions and ensure you water correctly after application.
4. Letting Weeds Invade Your Lawn
Having weeds grow your lawn is expected from time to time. But if weeds are left untreated, they will continue to grow and spread throughout your lawn. Therefore, treating weeds as they appear to prevent the spread is best.
If you are unsure of what type of weed you have growing or are unsure how to treat the weed you have growing, check out our blog here.
5. Watering Your Lawn Incorrectly
When it comes to watering your lawn, there are a few golden rules to follow:
Water your lawn for longer, less frequently.
This will help encourage your lawn to grow its roots deep down into the soil profile, helping improve the drought tolerance of your lawn.
Water in the morning before the heat of the day.
It is best to avoid watering in the late afternoon and evening to help stop your lawn from sitting damp overnight. Watering at this time can lead to fungal issues as the lawn will sit damp for a long period of time. Watering in the morning can help prevent these issues from arising.
6. Incorrect Application of Lawn Care Products
One common lawn care mistake is incorrectly applying lawn care products. When using lawn care products, it is vital to ensure you read and follow application instructions and rates. If these are not followed, the product may be ineffective with what you want to achieve. It can cause other issues, including burning and in extreme cases, killing your lawn. If you are unsure of how to apply a lawn care product, it is always best to check with the product manufacturer before application.
7. Not Enough Sunlight
Just like all plants, grass too needs sunlight. Sunlight allows grass to produce the food it needs to survive. Glucose, otherwise known as sugar, is produced by the grass and is used as food to help your lawn grow. Without sunlight, your lawn will not be able to produce glucose, causing the grass to thin out and die.
While all turf varieties need sunlight to thrive, some are more shade tolerant than others. This means some varieties can better absorb sunlight than others. Generally, the wider the leaf blade on the grass, the more shade tolerant a turf variety will be. If you are unsure of what turf type is best for your area, it is best to have a chat with your local turf supplier.
8. Poor Drainage
A lawn with poor drainage can develop many problems. These include fungal, disease, weed infestation and even lead to your grass dying. So, correcting any issues with your lawn’s drainage will help prevent issues from arising next time you get a large downfall of rain.
So how can you combat drainage issues on your lawn? Check out our blog for more information here.
9. Blunt Mowing Blades
Another common lawn care mistake is mowing with blunt mower blades. Did you know your mower blades will go blunt over time, like a razor? Blunt mower blades will rip at your grass. This not only looks bad but isn’t good for the health of your lawn. If you suspect that your mower has blunt blades, or are wanting to do a routine check-up, tilt the mower up with the front wheels pointing upwards and the handle flat to the ground.
When inspecting the mower blades, if they have any cracks, bends, extremely thin blades or even holes in the blades fin – then your blades need to be replaced. If there is still plenty of meat left on your blades and they are in their correct shape, they may simply need to be sharpened.
For more information on checking and replacing your mowers blades, check out our blog here.
10. Soil pH is Too Acidic or Alkaline?
If your lawn is not performing very well or not responding to fertiliser, this could be due to your soils pH. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. Most lawns like to be in the 6 to 7.5 range for optimum performance. Measuring a soil’s pH is easy to do and doesn’t involve a complicated scientific experiment. All you need is a pH testing kit and they are readily available at hardware stores and nurseries, or online through our online store here.
If your soil’s pH is outside the recommended range of 6-7.5 you may need to adjust this. Check out our blog for more information here.
We hope this blog shares some common lawn care mistakes that should be avoided in your backyard. For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Are you looking for a way to help extend your lawns colouring throughout the cooler months? Well, iron might be your answer! The main benefit of using iron is to help improve your lawns colouring, especially when lawns are entering dormancy. In this blog, we look at all you need to know about using iron on your lawn.
The short and straightforward answer is yes, but there is more to it. Iron, also known as Fe, helps grass photosynthesise and create chlorophyll. As a result, it will improve colour and allows it to carry out cellular functions.
Are There Any Other Benefits of Using Iron?
There are a few other benefits to using iron. These include helping control moss, strengthening your lawn, can help limit the impact of frost and helping make your lawn more disease resistant.
Before Iron Guard PlusAfter using Iron Guard Plus
When Should I Use Iron?
Iron is best used on a healthy and strong lawn. It is best used to help improve your lawns colour, especially when heading into or out of dormancy.
When applying iron, it is best to avoid it in the heat of the day. If it has been used when temperatures are at their warmest, some burning can occur. We also recommend applying Iron Guard monthly when active growth is present or when nutrient deficiency symptoms are visible to maintain even growth and colour for your lawn. We also recommend making sure your plant is healthy and not stressed before application. When applying all lawn care products, it is always best to ensure you use as per the label application instructions and application rates.
Precautions to Take When Applying Iron
Avoid applying iron to footpaths, driveways, and other surfaces. When iron is applied to hard surfaces, it can cause rust-coloured stains. If you use a liquid product and some spray has been applied or drifted to another surface, it is best to wash it off immediately. When applying iron, ensure you use it on the lawn evenly, as it will show if you don’t apply it evenly.
Should I Use a Fertiliser That Contains Iron?
Suppose you want to apply iron but also want to apply other nutrients. In that case, we recommend using a well-rounded fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser or Exceed Liquid Fertiliser. Both fertilisers contain iron and a balanced ratio of nutrients your lawn needs to stay healthy.
If you want to apply fertiliser throughout the cooler months, it is best to use a liquid product like Exceed over granular fertilisers. This is because liquid fertilisers can absorb nutrients more effectively while the grass has entered dormancy compared to granular fertilisers.
Why Should I Use Iron Without Fertiliser?
However, in some circumstances, if you have a specialised lawn care program which already meets your lawns nutrient requirements, additional nutrients from a fertiliser may not be required and separate iron product is best used.
How Can I Make My Lawn Green Instantly?
If you want to give your lawn an instant green-up without applying iron products, why not use a lawn pigment product like ColourGuard Plus! One application of ColourGuard Plus can provide up to 3 months of fantastic colour. It is safe for all lawn types and can be used anytime throughout the year.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our lawn care page here.
Lawnmowers are a staple tool for maintaining a well-manicured lawn, but not all mowers are created equal. In fact, some mowers can be downright crazy! From oversized and overpowered machines to wacky designs that are more reminiscent of a carnival ride than a lawn tool, crazy lawnmowers come in all shapes and sizes. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some crazy lawnmowers that are built a cut above the rest!
World’s Fastest Lawn Mower
Stunt drives Jessica Hawkins drives a Honda ride on mower, fitted with a 200-horsepower engine, the same engine as Honda’s Fireblade, fitted under the hood of the mower. This mower was still fitted with a mowing deck to cut grass, a requirement needed to be awarded with the world’s fastest lawnmower!
This mower can accelerate from zero to over 160km/h in just 6.29 seconds!
The Mechanix Illustrated magazine in 1958 features ‘The Lazy Mans Mower’! This mower claimed to allow you to mow the lawn and run your errands, all while being inside the air-conditioned bubble! Unfortunately, this mower never made it into production.
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your lawn for the winter months ahead. In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step winter lawn care checklist.
A fertiliser application will help give your lawn a final boost before the cooler temperatures set in. This will help your lawn recover from any stresses caused over the warmer month and can help extend your lawns colouring heading into winter.
If the temperatures are still warm in your location, you can still use a granular fertiliser like our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser. However, if the temperatures have already started to cool, you are best off using a liquid fertiliser like Exceed, as it will be absorbed quickly by the leaf of the grass.
How Regularly Should I Be Mowing My Grass?
As temperatures start to decline, your lawn will slowdown in growth. Although growth will slow, it is best to ensure you don’t stop mowing completely and follow the one-third rule.
What is the one-third rule? This is how much of the leaf you should remove when mowing. If more than one-third of the leaf is removed, it can cause stress to the lawn, and scalping can occur. So, by removing no more than one-third, the grass will stay healthy and won’t become stressed.
What Can I Use to Stop Lawn Weeds?
If weeds are growing in your lawn, it is best to get on top of them before the cooler temperatures set in. The type of weed will change what products you should use to remove them, so it is best to know what kind of weed you have before looking at products.
For common broadleaf weeds like Clover, Bindii, Oxalis, Cudweed and Catsear, we recommend using a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die. The All Purpose Weed Control comes in an easy-to-use hose-on bottle that sprays out the product. The Amgrow Bin Die comes in a concentrate that needs to be mixed with water and applied through a knapsack or sprayer.
If you are unsure what weed you have growing in your lawn, check out our blog here.
What Is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?
Pre-emergent herbicides target weed seeds before the weed grows and is visible in your lawn. They create a barrier at the soil level, affecting the germination of any new seedlings. This type of herbicides is great to use, particularly if your lawn faces seasonal weeds like Winter Grass.
When applying pre-emergents like Oxafert or Oxafert Plus it is best to time your application as the temperatures start to cool in your area. For most regions, this will be in mid to late Autumn.
Should I Use Iron on My Lawn?
Heading into winter, you can look at using an iron-based product to help extend and improve your lawns colour both heading into and throughout the cooler months. Iron products can also be used to help strengthen your grass.
If you want to use an iron-based product heading into winter, we recommend using Iron Guard Plus.
For more winter lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs here.
Watering your lawn can be a bit of a hassle when moving sprinklers and manually setting up water timers. Smart irrigation systems provide a solution to these problems by utilizing advanced technology to automate and optimize the watering process. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of smart irrigation systems for backyard lawns and gardens, their features, and how they can help you conserve water, save money, and achieve a thriving landscape.
What are the advantages of using a smart irrigation system?
There are several advantages of using a smart irrigation system for your lawn. These benefits include:
Remote access: Most smart irrigations systems will allow you to remote access through mobile apps, allowing you to adjust your watering schedule from anywhere, at any time.
Time saving: Smart irrigation systems automate the watering process, freeing up your time.
Water conservation: Smart irrigation systems can use sensors and weather data to adjust watering schedules based on your local climate, resulting in significant water savings and better plant health. E.g., If your area has rain forecasted, or a sensor detects rain it won’t irrigate your area.
Energy efficiency: By only using the necessary amount of water when your lawn needs it, smart irrigation systems reduce energy consumption and lower water bills.
Are there any disadvantages of using a smart irrigation system?
While smart irrigation systems offer several benefits, there are also a few potential disadvantages to consider:
Cost: Smart irrigation systems can be more expensive than traditional irrigation methods.
Connectivity issues: Smart irrigation systems rely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks to function correctly. If there is no internet connection, they won’t perform to their full potential.
False readings: If the irrigation system has a sensor, false readings may occur if it gets covered with dust.
Orbit B-Hyve 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller
The Orbit B-Hyve 6 Station Indoor/Outdoor Irrigation Controller is a smart irrigation system that allows you to remotely control and automate your lawn or garden watering schedule. The sprinkler can receive live weather feeds to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Some of the key features of this irrigation controller include:
The Orbit B-Hyve uses local weather data to adjust your watering schedule to the specific needs of your lawn or garden.
6 station areas.
The system is easy to install and is compatible with most sprinkler systems.
The B-Hyve app provides remote access to your irrigation system, allowing you to adjust watering schedules and monitor water usage from anywhere.
Functions both with and without Wi-Fi.
This irrigation controller is available at a fair price point of $200.
Holman WX8 Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller with EVIE Sensor
The Holman WX8 Wi-Fi Irrigation Controller with EVIE Sensor is another smart irrigation system. One advantage of this system over other products is that it includes a rain sensor that automatically adjusts your watering schedule based off your climates conditions. Other key features include:
The Holman app provides remote access to your irrigator system, allowing you to adjust your watering schedules and monitor water usage from anywhere.
Compatible with existing irrigation systems.
8 station areas.
Has been awarded with the Smart Approved Water Mark, just like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda!
Can schedule up to 3 different run times and allocate to any zones.
This irrigation system is priced at $190.
Rain Bird RC2 8 Station WIFI Outdoor Controller
The Rain Bird RC2 8 Station WIFI Outdoor Controller is another smart irrigation system that allow you adjust your watering schedule remotely. This system uses an app that allows you to water selected or all zones at a particular schedule and uses local weather data to automatically adjust your watering schedule daily. Some other stand out features of this model include:
Quick pair technology for a seamless set up.
8 station areas.
WIFI access for remote site management.
Manage and monitor all irrigation events and warmings real-time.
Wireless access point for complete system access without WIFI.
This controller can be purchased from selected irrigation stores, with pricing around $240.
For more lawn care tips and advice, check out our lawn care blogs here.
Welcome to our blog on common lawn weeds and how to remove them! We all want to have a beautiful and lush lawn, but unfortunately, weeds can grow and affect the aesthetic of our outdoor space.
In this blog, we will be looking at a wide range of common lawn weeds and explore the best ways to remove them. From bindii and crabgrass to clover and winter grass, we will cover everything you need to know about identifying and controlling these pesky lawn weeds.
Clover is another weed commonly found in many Aussie lawns. This weed can be identified by its oval-shaped leaves. These leaves also have a white circular marking across all the leaves and will produce either a white, pink, red or yellow flower.
Bindii can be one of the more annoying and painful weeds to have growing in your lawn. This weed is low growing, with its flower at the centre of the plant. Bindii will start to grow in winter and will grow a green carrot-like leaf. As the temperatures warm up in spring and summer, the plant will begin to dry out and leave behind its prickly seeds.
Bindii can be removed with most broadleaf herbicides like All Purpose Weed Control and Amgrow Bin Die. Both herbicides are safe for common lawn varieties, including Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo, Sir Grange Zoysia, TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, couch, zoysia, fescue, and ryegrass.
Winter Grass (Poa annua)
Winter Grass, or Poa annua as it is scientifically known, is a low growing turf grass. It has soft, drooping green leaves grown in tufts with triangular shaped seed heads.
Winter Grass Killer is a selective control that will kill Winter Grass by targeting the roots, so it is extremely important to spray early in its life cycle before seed heads appear. Munns Winter Grass Killer is another option that is safe to use on kikuyu lawns.
Targeting it before it emerges is the key to preventing it from germinating and going to seed. A pre-emergent like Oxafert can be applied and it will target the Winter Grass before it emerges from the soil.
Oxalis (Oxalidaceae)
Oxalis, also known as wood-sorrel, is a genus of plants with green or purple leaves and many variations in flower colour including white, pink or yellow. Below we focus on the common species found in Australian lawns.
Creeping Oxalis (Oxalis Corniculata)
Creeping Oxalis, as its name suggests, quickly runs along the surface of the soil and produces roots from the leaf as it goes and creeps under and through your lawn. When seed pods mature, they dry out and explode, causing the seed to spread. It is a very invasive and nasty weed, so it’s important to take action against it as soon as possible.
Creeping Oxalis is difficult to remove as crowns break off leaving roots for re-growth. You can hand remove small plants or dig out sections where you need to if they aren’t particularly large. If there is a substantial spread of creeping oxalis through your lawn, you will get better results by spraying your lawn with a selective herbicide.
A selective herbicide such as All Purpose Weed Control or Bin Die Herbicide will help to eradicate Creeping Oxalis in all lawn types including kikuyu and couch and are safe to use on most varieties of buffalo except the ST varieties.
Soursob (Oxalis Pes-caprae)
Soursobs spread with leaves along the ground, producing large yellow flowers with 5 petals and a long white tuberous root. Soursob will also have black dots on its leaf.
Completely eradicating Soursobs from your lawn will take a bit of time and effort. Unlike many other weeds, it is not recommended to remove them by hand, as the bulbs will break off and continue to grow beneath the soil allowing it to reappear. There are also no selective herbicides readily available for domestic lawns that will target the Soursobs, so you will need to take a few other steps to try and remove it. Mowing them off regularly will weaken the plant helping your grass to overcome the infestation. Bulb exhaustion occurs just before flowering, so this is the perfect time to implement your mowing and non-selective herbicide application, when the plant is weak. This is the only stage that physical removal will be an option, by digging up under the plant and removing the soil around it as well.
Cudweed has glossy light green leaves in a rosette shape. Under the leaf, it is white and furry. It has various flowering habits from mid-spring to early summer, or in autumn.
When treating Cudweed, it is recommended to use a surfactant or add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the herbicide, to help it adhere to the leaf. We recommend using a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die to remove this.
Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus)
Nutgrass is a noxious Sedge weed that gets its name from its nut-like tubers found on the plant’s roots. It is usually identifiable from its lighter green leaves that grow taller than the rest of your lawn. It has 3 blades that will shoot up from the stem. The stem will be triangular rather than circular stem like most grasses.
If your lawn has nutgrass, it is not recommended to pull them out by hand as the bulbs will be left in the soil, and the plant will reappear. To remove nutgrass, we recommend using a selective herbicide like our Lawn Solutions Sedge Control.
Crowsfoot/Crabgrass (Eleusine Indica or Digitaria)
Crowsfoot is an annual summer weed that grows in easy-to-identify tufts, staying fairly flat to the ground with almost white flat sheathed stems and smooth strap-like leaves. Seed heads usually appear from late spring or early summer. These seed heads can have as many as ten spikelets on each long stem. In an unhealthy lawn, if left to seed and spread, Crowsfoot will quickly infiltrate right through the entire lawn. Crowsfoot is commonly found throughout most Australian states.
If there are only a few tufts of crowsfoot growing, the best way to remove the weed is to pull it out by hand. If there is an infestation across the lawn, we recommend using a herbicide with DSMA as the active, like David Greys 500ml Crab Grass and Clover Killer Selective Herbicide. Please note herbicides containing DSMA as the active ingredient are not safe for use on Kikuyu, buffalo lawns, and QLD blue couch.
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Chickweed is a low growing, winter annual weed that can continue growing all through summer. It has paired leaves protruding opposite one another that have minimal fine hairs. As temperatures rise white flowers bloom in clusters at the end of a stem.
Chickweed can be removed by hand, but if you have a substantial spread of chickweed in your grass, then an application with a broadleaf herbicide like All Purpose Weed Control or Amgrow Bin Die would be the go.
Onion Weed (Nothoscordum sp)
Onion weed is a menace in lawns and garden beds right around Australia. It is one of the worst weeds that you can have take-hold in your yard as it is also one of the most difficult to get rid of.
Onion weed is a perennial with thin green strappy leaves growing from a mainly white bulb which gives off an onion smell when crushed. Flowers grow at the top of a long stalk and are mainly white.
Eradicating onion weed starts with removing as many of the plants as possible. Do not try to pull the plant out of the ground or shake excess dirt back off into the hole or compost. The small bulblets tend to pull away from the mother plant when pulled, which leaves more bulbs in the ground that will rapidly grow. If possible, dig the weed-clump out of the ground with a spade or a trowel, and throw the entire clump away. If you have an extensive problem, Onion weed and onion grass can be treated with a selective herbicide called ProForce Duke 10WG Herbicide.
Summer Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis and Digitaria cilaris)
Summer grass is an annual weed which has soft hairy leaves that grow close to the ground in clusters. The grass roots at the node (joint) and the sheathes of the leaf are usually purple tinged in colour at the base. Because Summer grass spreads by seed, it is extremely important that you act before this happens.
If there is only a small amount of Summer grass growing, the best way to remove the weed is to pull it out by hand. If there is an infestation across the lawn, we recommend using a herbicide with DSMA as the active, like David Greys 500ml Crab Grass and Clover Killer Selective Herbicide. Please note herbicides containing DSMA as the active ingredient are not safe for use on kikuyu, buffalo lawns, and QLD blue couch.
A really effective way of stopping Summer grass from germinating in your lawn again next year is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert. These herbicides act by stopping weeds from germinating from the soil in the first place. In order for them to work effectively, you need to apply them before emergence. For Summer grass, this would mean you would be best applying it in early to mid-spring.
Mullumbimby Couch (Cyperus brevifolius)
Mullumbimby Couch is a perennial mat-forming, grass like sedge with dark green, glossy, strap-like leaves. It possesses tough and long rhizomes which are red to purple in colour.
If you do notice this weed growing, it is best to act quickly before it spreads and becomes very difficult to remove. You can dig them out with a small spade. But you will have to be very diligent with this to ensure there are no roots or bulbs left in the soil as they will reappear if left behind. If there is a large amount of Mullumbimby couch in your lawn, you will need to treat it with a selective herbicide like Sedge Control.
Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum)
Paspalum has a purple tinge at the base of broad grass leaves that stem from a central crown. It primarily grows throughout the warmer months from late spring to early autumn.
If the paspalum has spread throughout your lawn and is out of control, you may need to look at applying a selective herbicide that contains the active DSMA (not safe for kikuyu and buffalo), something like David Greys 500ml Crab Grass and Clover Killer Selective Herbicide is ideal.
Spurge/Red Caustic Weed
Spurge/Red Caustic Weed is a low growing weed with a red stems and dark green leaves. The stems of these weeds contain a milky sap. The leaves can have a purple or red spot in the centre.
The best and easiest way to remove spurge is to pull it out by hand. Repeated applications of a broadleaf herbicide can also be used for removal.
Khaki weed
Khaki weed has reddish stems with oval shaped, hairy leaves. This weed produces greenish – yellowish flower and spreads mainly by its seeds located inside a burr. This burr can easily be transported between areas after attaching to objects like animals, clothing, and machinery.
Dicamba (not buffalo safe) and MCPA are the recommended active ingredients to treat this weed. You can also remove by using a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate, like roundup. You will need to be careful to only apply it to the weed and not your lawn as it will harm it also. We recommend using a weed wand or small paint brush to help with accuracy.
Mallow
Mallow has woody base, large tap root and spreads mainly by its seed. Mallow’s leaves are dark green and have scalloped lobes.
While the mallow is young, hand removal is the most effective option. Dicamba (not buffalo safe) and MCPA based products can provide some control for Mallow.
Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie also known as ground ivy has kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges. This weed’s viny stems can root into the ground at each node and has violet-blue flowers.
This hairless intruder likes to occupy soil high in phosphate. As the name suggests it produces burrs, which contain seeds. Beware! The burrs can attach to your dog’s coat or yours. Its leaves are heart shaped and clover-like, with serrated edges. Burr medic produces tap roots and small yellow flowers.
This trespasser grows well where soil is compacted and dry. It produces a small yellow flower and has clover-like leaves that are serrated near the tip. Black medic may produce a tap root. Don’t confuse it with oxalis or other clovers. The presence of black medic can indicate your soil lacks nitrogen.
Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis) also known as Wandering Jew
Trad is a creeping weed with green oval-shaped leaves. This weed produces white flowers mostly between spring and summer. It is a highly invasive weed and will grow in mostly shaded and damp areas.
Trad can be removed by hand, or selectively treated with a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate, like roundup. When using a non-selective herbicide, you will need to be careful to only apply it to the weed and not your lawn as it will harm it also. We recommend using a weed wand or small paint brush to help with accuracy.
Capeweed
Capeweed is an autumn/winter annual with a rosette forming dicit, with deeply lobed leaves and white downy underside. It has many small flowers on a black, pitted receptacles with radiating yellow florets. Capeweed has deep taproots that can make hand removal difficult.
Purslane is a succulent type weed with tear drop shaped leaves, waxy coating, and purple/brown stems.
This weed is best chipped out manually by hand. It will generally not infiltrate a lawn unless it is extremely sparce and thin. Attention to improving the lawn should see purslane unable to infiltrate your lawn.
Over the last week, our brand ambassadors Charlie Albone and Jason Hodges both had the privilege of creating their own show gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). We take a look at how both landscape designers used Lawn Solutions Australia grasses in their designs.
Charlie Albone with Inspired Exteriors ‘The Container Garden’
Charlie Albone and his team at Inspired Exteriors have been awarded ‘Best in Show’ for their display, ‘The Container Garden’ at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show!
Our very own Jason Hodges has had the privilege of creating the welcome garden at MIFGS.
Jason’s garden features 2 of our grasses, Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo in between garden pavers and unmown Sir Grange Zoysia for a more textured look in the garden surrounds!
