How To
Solving weed problems
What exactly is a weed? Definitions abound, but a weed is generally considered to be a plant that’s growing where it isn’t wanted. And, as winter comes to an end, it often seems that the weeds are about to take over the entire garden.
Onehunga weed, which usually causes problems in lawns, is one of the weeds you’ll find starting to develop at this time of year. Onehunga weed is a soft, ferny-leafed plant that only reveals the nasty side of its nature when it produces its sharply-barbed seeds. These can make walking on the lawn in bare feet an utter misery.
You can remove Onehunga weed with what’s called a ‘selective’ weedkiller but, remember, if the weed has already formed its spiky seeds, it’s sure to re-appear next year. Make a note to begin control earlier next season.
Yates Prickle Weedkiller is a widely used selective herbicide that cleverly removes the non-grass weeds (like Onehunga weed) from the lawn, without damaging the grass. However, it’s vitally important to read the label and carefully follow the instructions. Too-heavy applications will burn the grass. Yates Turfix and Turfix Gun are other selective weedkillers in the Yates range that will control Onehunga weed.
Many other lawn weeds – such as clover, dandelions, thistles and capeweed (pictured) – can also be removed with a selective weedkiller. Convenient, Hose-on Weed ‘n’ Feed combines a selective weedkiller with a lawn fertiliser – hence its descriptive name!
Weeds in garden beds can be removed using a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup. Roundup is available as a concentrate that’s diluted in water before use. Glyphosate is non-selective, which means it will kill any plant material it contacts. This, obviously, means it must be applied with great care. Fortunately, though, it doesn’t leave residues in the soil.
Roundup Fast Action works even faster and begins to control weeds within 48 hours. It’s available in two sizes in ready-to-use trigger packs.
One easy way to apply glyhosate is with the clever invention, the Zero Weeding Brush. This is a hollow tube that’s fitted with a sturdy brush at the end. After the tube is filled with a Zero mixture, the herbicide flows down the tube and onto the bristles where it can be ‘brushed’ onto weeds from arm’s length. The flow of herbicide is controlled by a specially-designed valve. There’s no bending!
For longer-term weed control there is Yates Path Weed Spray, which also comes in a convenient trigger pack. This leaves a residual barrier that kills weeds and stops their seeds germinating in paths, driveways, tennis courts and on paved patios for up to twelve months.
Yates Surrender removes moss, lichen, liverworts and algae from lawns, roofs, cobblestones, tiles and other hard surfaces.
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