When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn in New Zealand, one of the biggest challenges can be dealing with lawn weeds. These pesky plants come in all shapes and sizes and can quickly invade your lawn, making it look untidy and unhealthy. Here are some tips for getting rid of lawn weeds and restoring your lawn to its former glory.
Prevention is key
Preventing the growth of lawn weeds in the first place is the best place to start. A healthy lawn that is thick and dense can make it alot harder for weed seeds to germinate and survive.
Mow your lawn regularly
Keeping your lawn at the recommended height for your grass type can reduce stress and ensure it has a suitable level of density. Regular mowing (and catching) can also help remove the seedheads of unwanted weeds and prevent them from further spreading.
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently
One of the most common times for a lawn to get weed infiltration is when it’s suffering from damage, such as drought. Proper watering practices can help prevent drought stress and thereby lawn damage.
Fertilise 2-3 times per year
Fertilising your lawn regularly gives it the nutrients to grow properly. Without proper health it loses colour and it’s unable to complete simple plant processes which help to keep it thick and dense, more resistant to stressful conditions as well as weed infestations. lawn.
Identify the lawn weed
The first step in getting rid of lawn weeds is to correctly identify the type of weed you are dealing with. There are many different types of weeds that can grow in New Zealand lawns. They include broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover and Onehunga weed. On the other end of the spectrum is grass weeds like Poa annua, Summer grass and Crows foot. Once you have identified the weed, you can determine the best way to get rid of it. Some weeds are easier to remove by hand and when numbers are low that can prove the best option. Unfortunately others require specialised treatment.
Removing lawn weeds
If you already have lawn weeds in your lawn, there are several methods you can use to get rid of them.
Hand weeding
Hand weeding is a simple and effective way to remove lawn weeds NZ. Use a small hand tool like a weeding fork or dandelion puller to remove the weed from the root. Be sure to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth. For weeds that have bulbs or other complex underground structures where removal is difficult it is best to use a herbicide product.
Herbicides
Herbicides are a commonly used, easy way to control lawn weeds in NZ. There are several types of herbicides available, including selective and non-selective herbicides. Selective herbicides such as Agpro Lawnclean target broadleaf weeds and are safe to use on lawns. Non-selective herbicides like Glyphosate 360 will kill any plant they come into contact with, so be careful when using them.
Before applying any herbicide, be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the recommended application rates.
Dealing with lawn weeds can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your lawn to its former glory. Remember to maintain proper lawn care practices to prevent weed growth in the first place. And if you do find lawn weeds in your lawn, don’t panic. Hand weeding or herbicides can both be effective ways to control these pesky plants. With a little effort and patience, you can have a healthy, beautiful lawn that you can be proud of.
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