Winning the Lawn War: What to Do When Couch Grass Invades Your Buffalo
You've found yourself in a bit of a ‘turf tiff’. Your beautiful Buffalo lawn's being gate crashed by the not-so-welcome Couch grass, and it's turning into a real backyard brawl.
Don't throw in the trowel just yet! Here’s what to do:
The Invader: Couch Grass
Couch grass is like that mate who overstays their welcome – invasive and keen to take over your entire lawn if you give it half a chance. It's tough, it spreads like wildfire, and before you know it, your Buffalo lawn is more Couch than anything else.
Your Battle Plan: Two Options
Option 1: Spot Spraying – The Precision Attack
If the problem has just started, and your lawn is just a bit patchy, it's time for some spot spraying. Arm yourself with Glyphosate (yeah, the stuff in Roundup) and target those pesky Couch grass spots.
Spot Spray: If the invasion is small enough, then getting down all fours and painting the round up onto the Couch can be worth it to avoid killing off your Buffalo. Roundup also comes in a gel stick to make life easier. Focus on the leaves of the plant, not the root, as glyphosate is a ‘foliar’ herbicide. A small spray bottle is also handy if you’re happy to accept a little collateral damage.
Patiently Wait: After the battle, you'll have some casualties – dead grass spots. But don't fret; your Buffalo is a fighter and will spread to cover these bare patches in time.
Speeding Up Recovery: To get your Buffalo bouncing back quicker, consider dressing the affected areas with topsoil. This not only gives your Buffalo a comfy bed to spread into but also improves the soil's health, making for a quicker recovery.
Option 2: Total Turf Transformation
If your lawn's got more spots than a Dalmatian, it might be time for a full makeover.
Spray to Slay: Gear up and spray the entire lawn with Glyphosate. This is your scorched earth strategy – eliminate everything green.
Wait and Watch: Give it a week or two. Keep an eye out for any weed insurgents trying to stage a comeback. If they do, give 'em another dose of Glyphosate.
Remove the Remnants: Once the area's as bare as a bald bloke's noggin, it's time to remove the old lawn. Get stuck in and clear the slate for your new turf.
Bonus Move – Pre-emergent Herbicide: Before laying down your new turf, consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide. This is like setting up a bouncer at the door to keep the unwanted weeds from crashing your grass party again.
Laying Down the New Lawn
With the old, weedy lawn gone, you've got a blank canvas. Choose your new turf wisely, one that suits your backyard's vibe and your lifestyle.
A Few Tips:
Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye on your lawn like a hawk. Early detection of Couch grass makes it easier to manage.
Water Wisely: Overwatering can encourage weed growth. Give your lawn a drink only when it needs it. Once or twice a week in the hotter months.
Feed Your Turf: Regular fertilization keeps your Buffalo strong, reducing the chances of weed invasion.
Whether you choose the precision attack or decide on a total turf transformation, the key is to act swiftly and decisively. With a bit of elbow grease and some Aussie ingenuity, you'll turn your turf war into a victory parade. Here's to lush lawns and the great Aussie outdoors! Cheers!
