Killing Weeds in Buffalo Grass

Herbicides come in two main varieties – non-selective herbicides that are lethal to all plants and vegetation (think glyphosate, more commonly known as ‘RoundUp’) and selective herbicides, which have been specially engineered to tackle particular plants, and be less damaging to others.

Using Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicides

In a home lawn application, a common selective herbicide you may have heard of is Bow And Arrow, which is used to kill common broadleaf weeds in turf grass whilst leaving the desirable grass alone.

 It’s not entirely correct to say that selective herbicides are ‘safe’ to use on some plants. While a product might target one plant or weed and be registered as safe for another, over-application or deliberate misuse will still harm all vegetation, so be sure to apply as per the manufacturer’s recommended dosages.

What is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

As well as selective and non-selective herbicides, you can also control weeds in your Buffalo Grass using a pre-emergent herbicide. A pre-emergent is applied every six months (typically at the start of Spring and then again at the start of Autumn) and will stop new weeds germinating before they even get the chance to sprout.

Pre-emergents can be applied in liquid form like Spartan, or in granular form like Onset GR.

A pre-emergent is best used in conjunction with a selective herbicide. Kill the invasive weeds using the appropriate herbicide, then lay down a protective barrier (think of it like insurance for your lawn) with your pre-emergent herbicide.

How to Apply your Chosen Herbicide

Herbicides are commonly diluted as a prescribed ratio into a handheld sprayer or backpack sprayer, and then sprayed evenly over the whole lawn. Non-selective herbicides should be spot-sprayed (localised entirely on the problematic plant) while selective herbicides can safely be used over the entire lawn.

 Avoid spraying after you’ve mowed, on days of extreme heat or if rain is expected within the next 4-6 hours, and try to avoid mowing for 24-48 hours after application to ensure the herbicide has plenty of time to act. You can usually expect to see the weeds start to die off within a week from application.

Importantly, be sure to be vigilant with your Personal Protection Equipment, especially when it comes to herbicides contacting your eyes or mouth. Be sure to wash thoroughly after applying herbicides.

Thanks to Buffalo’s dense network of above ground runners that can prove difficult for weeds to germinate through, they’re naturally less susceptible to most common weeds. Because of this, isolated weed outbreaks can usually be pulled out by hand, voiding the need to apply harsh chemicals.

Regular mowing is another great way to manage weeds naturally, by keeping the fast growing weeds at or below the Buffalo grass canopy and allowing the lawn to suffocate them.

Onion Weed

(Asphodelus fistulosus) – Recognisable by its small white flowers and slender, tubular leaves, Onion Weed is often found in warmer climates. Because it’s so difficult to knock with selective herbicides, and the ones registered to treat it can be expensive, isolated application of non-selective herbicides is one way to manage Onion Weeds in your Buffalo Lawn, or hand weeding.

Soursob

(Oxalis pes-caprae) – Featuring bright yellow flowers and clover-like leaves, Soursob is common in southern states. It’s best controlled through selective herbicides, though persistent hand weeding can help reduce its spread.

Wintergrass

(Poa annua) – This annual grass weed has a soft, fine texture and light green colour. It thrives in cool climates, particularly in winter. Wintergrass will naturally die off as temperatures increase, otherwise it can be treated with a selective herbicide like Poacheck.

Summer Grass

(Digitaria sanguinalis) – Known for its creeping habit and coarse texture, Summer Grass thrives in warmer climates. It can be suppressed by good cultural habits like regular mowing, however larger outbreaks can be controlled by a selective herbicide like Crabgrass and Clover Killer.

Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale) – Identifiable by its bright yellow flowers, Dandelion grows in most parts of Australia. Hand-pulling or using a selective broadleaf herbicide like Broadforce will easily curtail a Dandelion outbreak.

White Clover

(Trifolium repens) – A common low-growing weed with white flowers, White Clover appears in moist areas. Clover is one of the simplest weeds to kill (negating established, large outbreaks) and can be managed with Bow and Arrow, or Broadforce.

Bindii

(Soliva sessilis) – Known for its painful prickles, Bindii is common in warmer regions. Commercially available herbicides like Bin-Die will effectively manage it, so too will Broadforce.

Oxalis

(Oxalis spp.) – With small yellow flowers and clover-like leaves, Oxalis is a common nuisance weed, especially in shaded areas. Luckily, this sprawling weed can be easily knocked down by a broadleaf weed management like Broadforce.

Learn more about common weeds in Buffalo Grass. 

Weed management has never been easier thanks to advancements in herbicide technology, though if you don’t like the idea of using chemicals to produce a weed-free lawn most can be managed with good cultural practices like mowing and hand-weeding.

It’s always easier to prevent them growing than to treat an outbreak, so consider pre-emergent protection by using a product like Spartan or Onset GR every six months to keep your Buffalo lawn weed-free.

Visit myhomeTURF’s online store for a wide selection of lawn care products for your Buffalo lawn.