The Ultimate Guide to Winning the War on Lawn Weeds

Ah, the Aussie backyard - a sanctuary for family barbies, backyard cricket, and, unfortunately, those unwelcome party crashers: Queensland’s most common lawn weeds. Just when you've manicured your lawn to near perfection, these cheeky intruders pop up, ready to turn your green masterpiece into a bit of a muddle. But don't chuck a wobbly just yet! With a dash of savvy and the right gear, you can spot, outwit, and banish those pesky weeds back to the bush.

Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn

Believe it or not, your trusty lawn mower is your frontline defence in the battle against weeds. Regular mowing works wonders in preventing weeds, encouraging your grass to thicken up and squash any weed ambitions before they even begin. Consistently clipping their leaves off will drive the weeds bonkers, while your grass thrives. For the best defence, mow twice a week at a higher setting rather than scalping your lawn once a week. This tactic stops weeds in their tracks and keeps your turf thick and lush.

Prevention: The Best Form of Attack

Your next best tactic is prevention. A stitch in time saves nine, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to weeds. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide, such as Barricade or Spartan, can stop weeds dead before they even dare to germinate. Though they might seem pricey upfront, investing in these will save you heaps of money, time, and back-breaking work down the track. These special ops aren't hanging around your local Bunnings, but a quick online recon mission will locate suppliers who also stock top-notch fertilisers.

Weed Identification: Know Thine Enemy

When prevention's ship has sailed, and you're facing a weed invasion, it's crucial to know what you're up against. Weeds fall into two camps: broadleaf and grassy.

•  Broadleaf Baddies: These include the likes of Bindi, Creeping Oxalis, and Clover. They're the villains with wide, flower-shaped leaves. For these, a broadleaf herbicide is your go-to weapon. Bow and Arrow is top of its class, knocking out broadleaf weeds with just one spray from your trusty pump or backpack sprayer.

• Grassy Goons: These tough nuts, including Paspalum, Crabgrass, and Nutgrass, are a bit trickier to evict. If they're few and far between, a good old-fashioned dig might be your best bet. Beware of Nutgrass though; miss a bit of its bulbous root, and it'll be back with a vengeance.

Clover

Paspalum

Oxalis

When the weed occupation is widespread, it's time to bring out the big guns. Tribute is a solid choice for tackling most grassy weeds, but for stubborn squatters like Nutgrass or Crow's Foot, you might need to call in specialists like Sedgehammer.

Last Resort: Chemical Warfare

Spraying should be a last resort. With regular mowing and a solid pre-emergent strategy, you'll keep 99% of weed invaders at bay. 

With a bit of elbow grease, some strategic mowing, and preemptive strikes, you'll keep your backyard looking top-notch, sending those weeds packing. Cheers to winning the war on weeds, and here's to enjoying your slice of the great outdoors, weed-free and worry-free!