Keep Winter Weeds Out of Your Lawn
As your lawn growth slows during the colder months, winter weeds can quickly take advantage of thinner or weaker areas. Getting on top of weeds early helps prevent them from spreading, setting seed and returning in greater numbers next year.
For lawns throughout Albury Wodonga and North East Victoria, some of the most common winter weeds include Winter Grass, Bindii, Clover and Creeping Oxalis.
Winter Grass
Winter Grass (Poa annua) is a common winter lawn weed that grows in small clumps with soft green leaves and distinctive seed heads.
Small infestations can often be removed by hand, making sure the entire plant is removed before it produces seed. For larger outbreaks, a suitable Winter Grass herbicide may be required.
Pre-emergent treatments can also help prevent Winter Grass seeds already in the soil from germinating in future seasons.
Always check that the product is suitable for your turf variety, particularly if you have Eureka Kikuyu.
Bindii
Bindii is one winter weed you definitely want to control before warmer weather arrives. It grows low to the ground during winter before developing the painful prickly burrs that become a problem for bare feet, children and pets.
Remove small plants by hand or use an appropriate selective broadleaf lawn herbicide.
The key is to treat Bindii before it flowers and develops its prickly seed heads.
Clover
Clover is another common weed found in Australian lawns during the cooler months.
Small patches can be removed by hand, while larger infestations may require a suitable selective broadleaf herbicide. Clover can also be an indication that your lawn may benefit from reviewing its overall nutrition and lawn care program.
Keeping your turf thick, healthy and well maintained is one of the best long-term defences against weeds.
Creeping Oxalis
Creeping Oxalis can sometimes be confused with Clover, but its small heart-shaped leaves make it easier to identify. It spreads rapidly across the soil surface and produces small yellow flowers.
It's important to control Creeping Oxalis before its seed pods mature and spread seed throughout your lawn.
Hand removal can work for small outbreaks, while an appropriate selective lawn herbicide may be needed for larger infestations.
Prevent Winter Weeds Before They Take Over
A healthy, dense lawn leaves less room for weeds to establish. Correct mowing, fertilising, watering and seasonal lawn care can all help strengthen your turf and reduce future weed problems.
If you're unsure which weed you're dealing with or which treatment is suitable for your grass, talk to Murray Turf for local lawn care advice in Albury Wodonga.
Always read and follow the herbicide label and confirm the product is suitable for your particular turf variety before application.
