Weeds
The best defence against weeds, pest and diseases is a well maintained lawn.
Weeds take advantage of increased opportunities to grow – disturbed ground or increased light. Many produce a high amount of seeds and are self pollinated; some have bulbs or runners that can survive even though the top is removed. Remove any weeds before they seed, you can either dig them out using your hands and a knife – time consuming, but effective. But if you have more of a problem, spray the lawn with a selective chemical, one that kills the weeds and leaves the lawn intact. Use a Bushranger or Zenoah Sprayer to spray the chemicals. Ask you nursery what to use for your weed problem.
TIP
If you do not like chemicals put one cup of salt in 2 litres of white vinegar and make a weed killer. Then brush it onto the weeds in a day or two they will die. But remember this is a non-selective herbicide if you put it on your grass the grass will die too.
Top-dressing
Top dressing is used to level the lawn and to fill in bald patches. Use a sandy loam or washed river sand. Cover affected areas by no more than 1 cm and rake the mix to spread it evenly and then water in well
Bare Patches
Bare Patches in your lawn can be treated with new lawn or if the area is too shady try planting a type of grass that is best for shady conditions or make it into a garden bed, path, or patio. If the bare patch is because of heavy traffic or pet “stains” aerate this part of soil, plant runners or seed, provide plenty or water and fence them off if possible and do not mow these areas for 6 weeks.
