Keeping those pesky weeds at bay…
There are four common weeds that strike fear in the hearts of Melbourne lawn lovers! But with the right knowledge and products, you can effectively control them so they don’t take over your beautiful Lilydale Instant Lawn.
Bindii (Jo-Jo) - Soliva Sessilis
Bindii, also known as jo-jo, is one of the most annoying weeds you will find in your lawn, mainly because of how painful it can be to stand on in bare feet. Standing on a Bindii and being sent hopping across the lawn in pain is almost a childhood ritual! The cause of this pain is the prickly seed produced by the flower during the warmer months in Melbourne.
How do I remove Bindii in my lawn?
Bindii can be removed by hand or spot sprayed with a selective herbicide such as Bin-Die (active ingredient bromoxynil). By applying this product in August or September, you’ll get in before the plant sets its seeds. Early prevention is far easier than trying to eradicate Bindii after it has already set in.
Creeping Oxalis – Oxalis Corniculata
Creeping oxalis, often mistaken for clover, has compound leaves consisting of three small, light-green, heart-shaped leaflets. Its bright yellow flowers are 3–4 mm in diameter, with five petals in a loose cluster. It grows from bulbs deep in your soil so can be quite challenging to eradicate.
How do I remove Creeping Oxalis in my lawn?
Hand removal can help if the plant is caught early enough, but more established bulbs can be buried as deep as 100 mm into your soil. The most effective method of control is applying pre-emergent fertiliser such as Oxafert to prevent the initial germination, along with spraying of plants with a selective herbicide such as Bin-Die if they do germinate. Oxafert provides the soil with plenty of nitrogen, which supports your lawn but creates adverse conditions for oxalis. Persistence is the key with this tough weed. While Oxafert should reduce re-occurrence, it may take several years to completely eradicate this weed from your yard.
Dandelion- Taraxacum
Dandelion weeds are light green with toothed leaves arranged in a rosette and solitary, daisy-like yellow flowers on hollow stems. They have a bitter, milky sap called latex that helps protect them from grubs.
How do I remove dandelions from my lawn?
The good news is, a healthy lawn with sufficient thatch shouldn’t get too many of these pests, because it will out crowd any weeds. However, if you do find the odd one popping up, simply weed it out by hand or use a spot spray of a selective herbicide such as Bin-Die.
Clover – Trifolium Repens
Clover has compound leaves consisting of three – or four if you’re lucky! – heart-shaped green leaflets on a thin stem, with a central circular marking. It has small pinkish-white flowers in globular clusters. Clover is often very densely growing and can crowd out your lawn if left uncontrolled. It is important to get onto clover early to prevent this.
How do I remove clover from my lawn?
The quickest way to remove clover from your lawn is to weed it out by hand. If the clover is too widely spread, as often occurs, it is best to apply a selective herbicide such as Bin-Die. Once you’ve done this first application, wait one week, mow the entire lawn, and re-apply the Bin-Die. The first application treats the upper canopy, while the second takes care of the lower canopy. Ensuring your lawn is properly fertilised can also help keep clover at bay, as, unlike your lawn, it doesn’t like nitrogen.
Can I stop weeds from getting into my lawn to start with?
Yes, the best way to prevent weeds is by using the pre-emergent fertiliser Oxafert at the start of every season. This creates conditions that support healthy lawn growth but are not conducive to weed germination and growth. If you do end up needing to use herbicides, remember to always follow the label, wear gloves, and do not spray on a windy day or before rain.