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Winter weed control

Winter can be challenging for your lawn, as colder temperatures and increased moisture provide an ideal environment for certain types of weeds to flourish. When left untreated, these weeds can take over your lawn and create problems that linger into the warmer months.

To help you overcome this problem, we’ll discuss why weeds appear in winter, how to control them and look closely at specific problematic weeds. We’ll also highlight some of Lilydale’s products that can help with winter weed control, ensuring your lawn stays lush and healthy.

For more information on lawn weed control in winter and identifying what species may be causing a nuisance in your lawn, watch our video. 

Why do weeds appear in winter?

Winter might seem like a time when growth slows down, but for some weeds, it's the perfect season to take root. Weeds such as winter grass and Bindii thrive in cold, damp conditions, often growing faster than your turf. These weeds exploit any weaknesses in your lawn, like bare patches or thin grass, making it crucial to maintain a healthy lawn throughout the year.

Factors that contribute to weed growth in winter include:

• Moisture: Winter rains provide plenty of water for weeds to establish themselves.
• Dormant turf: Cool-season weeds grow while your warm-season lawn grasses slow down.
• Bare spots: Areas where grass is thin or worn are vulnerable to weed invasion.

By taking proactive steps during winter, you can prevent weeds from setting up a permanent residence in your lawn.

How to control weeds in winter

Effective winter weed control begins with maintaining a strong, healthy lawn. While prevention is key, you’ll also need to use targeted treatments to stop winter weeds from spreading. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to control weeds in winter :

1. Mow regularly: Keep your lawn tidy by mowing regularly. This will prevent weeds from flowering and spreading their seeds.
2. Aerate your lawn: Proper aeration ensures that water and nutrients reach the roots of your grass, making it harder for weeds to take hold.
3. Apply pre-emergent herbicides: A pre-emergent herbicide can prevent winter weeds like winter grass from germinating. It’s best to apply this early in the season before the weeds start to grow.
4. Spot treat problem areas: For weeds that have already sprouted, use a selective herbicide to target them directly without damaging your turf.

Common types of winter weeds

Winter Grass

Winter grass (Poa annua) is a cool-season weed that thrives in the winter months. This weed is notorious for its bright green colour, which contrasts starkly with the darker shades of most turf grasses. Winter grass produces triangular-shaped seed heads, which can spread quickly if not controlled.

• Why is it bad? Winter grass disrupts the uniform appearance of your lawn and can outcompete your turf for nutrients. If left untreated, its seed pods mature and spread, leading to more severe infestations in the future.
• How to get rid of it? The best way to prevent winter grass is through the use of a selective winter grass control product. Amgrow Winter Grass Killer is an effective solution that can treat winter grass without harming your lawn. Applying this product early in the season, before the seed pods mature, will help kill winter grass and prevent further spread. Additionally, winter grass seeds germinate regularly - but with frequent mowing, you can make sure these seed heads don’t take over. 

Bindii

Bindii (Soliva sessilis), also known as "jo-jo" or "onehunga," is a low-growing weed that produces painful spiked seed heads. It typically emerges in the cooler months and becomes more noticeable as its seed pods mature, causing discomfort for anyone walking barefoot on the lawn.

• Why is it bad? Bindii is not just unsightly—it can turn your lawn into a hazard. Those spiky seeds can make your lawn uncomfortable and unpleasant to walk on.
• How to get rid of it? The best approach is to treat Bindii early, before it flowers and sets seed. A selective herbicide designed to target broadleaf weeds like Bindii is recommended. Apply the herbicide in the early stages of the weed’s growth, followed by proper lawn care practices to prevent its return.

Creeping Oxalis

Creeping Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata) is another winter weed that can spread quickly if left unchecked. It’s identified by its small, clover-like leaves and yellow flowers, often creeping across lawns and flower beds.

• Why is it bad? Creeping Oxalis can take over your lawn by spreading through runners and seeds. Its invasive nature makes it hard to control once established, and it can smother your grass, making it weak and susceptible to other problems.
• How to get rid of it? Use a selective herbicide to control Creeping Oxalis. Like winter grass and Bindii, it’s best to treat it early. Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy lawn will help minimise the weed’s spread.

Creeping Oxalis

Lilydale products that can help with winter weed control

Lilydale Instant Lawn offers a range of products designed to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free, even during the colder months. Here are some key products that can help with winter lawn weed control:

• Lawn herbicides: Selective herbicides like Amgrow Winter Grass Killer are excellent for targeting winter grass without damaging your turf.
• Lawn fertilisers: A well-fed lawn is more resilient against weeds. Using a winter fertiliser can help strengthen your grass and improve its ability to compete with weeds.
• Pre-emergent treatments: Applying a pre-emergent herbicide early in the winter season can stop weed seeds from germinating, reducing the chances of a full-blown infestation.
• Turf varieties: If you’re looking for a new lawn that’s more resistant to weeds, Lilydale’s range of low-growing turf grass options, such as Sir Walter Buffalo, provides excellent coverage and helps prevent winter weeds from taking root.

Treat winter weeds for good with help from Lilydale 

Maintaining a weed-free lawn during winter doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By understanding why weeds like winter grass, Bindii, and Creeping Oxalis appear and how to control them, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy all season long. 

With the right combination of Lilydale products and proactive lawn care, you can treat and prevent winter weeds, ensuring that your lawn remains lush and vibrant year-round. Take a look at our online lawn care shop or contact us for more information on how to control weeds in winter.