Does your lawn look dead? Is it starting to resemble a patchwork quilt rather than the lush, vibrant green it used to be?
A brown and patchy lawn is a silent cry for help.
It’s whispering — or, let’s be honest, practically shouting — for a revival. Water alone won’t cut it; your lawn is craving the magic touch of precise weeding and feeding.
You can breathe life back into your lawn with the right approach and timing.
Weed and Feed 101: What is it?
Weed and feed combines the best of both worlds for your lawn care: herbicide and fertiliser in one product.
Think of weed and feed as a double-edged sword against lawn invaders and undernourishment. It eliminates weeds like dandelions and clovers while fertilising your lawn, all in one go.
Just remember, the secret is in the timing and knowing your lawn’s needs. Get it right, and you’ll be on your way to the lush, green lawn you’re aiming for.
When is the Best Time to Weed and Feed Your Lawn in Australia?
Generally, the transition periods of early spring and late summer are ideal to weed and feed most Australian lawns.
These times offer the best conditions for the grass to absorb nutrients and herbicides effectively.
When should I apply weed and feed to my new lawn?
For freshly seeded or sodded lawns, it’s crucial to wait until the grass has established itself. This typically means after you’ve mowed the new grass at least 3 to 4 times.
Applying weed and feed too early can harm young, tender grass plants before they’ve had a chance to mature.
Do soil temperatures have any impact on weed and feed?
Soil temperature plays a significant role in the effectiveness of weed and feed applications.
The timing of weed and feed is crucial for several reasons, primarily because the temperature of the soil influences both weed emergence and grass growth.
Weeds have different germination times based on their type. Many common lawn weeds start to germinate when soil temperatures consistently reach certain thresholds.
Applying pre-emergent weed killers just before this temperature range can prevent these weeds from sprouting in the first place.
Similarly, the feeding component of weed and feed products is most effective when the grass is actively growing, which also correlates with certain soil temperatures.
Grass types have optimal growth temperatures; cool-season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures, and warm-season grasses need warmer soil to grow vigorously.
Applying weed and feed products when the soil temperature aligns with the active growth periods of your lawn variety ensures that the grass can effectively absorb and use the nutrients provided by the feed component.
How to Identify Weeds for Weed & Feed Application
Before bringing out the big guns, take the time to go over your lawn and plot out the areas with weeds.
If you’re not sure if there are weeds in your garden, look for odd-looking grasses. Weeds often have a different leaf shape or colour than your grass.
Broadleaf weeds stand out from lawn grasses because their wide leaves branch out in various directions. Other broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, clover and chickweed, are easily recognisable by their shapes, sizes and flowers.
Another trick is to check on growth patterns. Weeds tend to sprout up and spread faster than your lawn grass.
Crabgrass is a warm-season annual grassy weed known for its resilience and aggressive growth. It tends to spread out flat against the ground, forming dense mats that can smother a healthy lawn.
There’s also winter grass, or Poa annua, which is a cool-season annual grassy weed. It’s characterised by its fine texture, light green colour and tufted growth habit.
Nutgrass, or nutsedge, is another weed to watch out for. It is a persistent weed that can be difficult to control once it establishes itself in lawns and gardens.
Nutgrass has a triangular stem and grows faster than the surrounding areas, which makes it very easy to identify.
When to Kill Weeds
The best time to kill weeds is when they are actively growing, usually in the warmth of spring and early autumn.
This is when weeds are most vulnerable to treatments, absorbing herbicides more effectively, leading to a higher success rate.
Targeting weeds during these growth spurts prevents them from spreading further. Timing your strike can make all the difference between a weed-ridden lawn and a pristine green space.
How to Kill Weeds
When you’ve identified the unwelcome grasses taking over your lawn, it’s time to kill those pesky weeds.
A weed-free lawn requires a strategic approach tailored to the type of weed and the condition of your lawn.
Selective herbicides are a popular choice for weed control. These are designed to target specific weeds without harming the grass.
For a more eco-friendly approach, natural remedies, such as vinegar or boiling water, can be effective against certain weeds.
Of course, there are manual methods, like hand-pulling or using a weed removal tool like a garden fork. These work well for larger, isolated weeds.
FAQs
Can you weed and feed in winter?
No. Weeding and feeding in winter is not recommended due to the dormancy of the grass.
Applying herbicides or fertilisers during this time can be less effective and may even harm your lawn.
Should I weed and feed after mowing?
It’s best to wait a day or two after mowing before applying weed and feed. This pause allows the grass to recover and ensures the leaves are tall enough to catch the weed control particles.
On the other hand, after applying weed and feed, give it a bit before you mow again. This lets the treatment sink in and work its magic, maximising the effectiveness of your efforts.
How long before rain should I weed and feed?
Apply weed and feed products when you’re expecting a dry spell of at least 24 to 48 hours.
This window allows the product to adhere to the leaves and be absorbed by the weeds.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy Weed Our Gardening Tips
With the right approach and timing, caring for your lawn becomes less of a chore and more of a rewarding journey.
Remember, every season plays a crucial role in your lawn’s health and beauty. From spring’s awakening to winter’s rest, your lawn relies on your care and attention to thrive.
