When spraying for weeds, customers can often repeat common mistakes. These mistakes can make the treatment for your lawn ineffective or in extreme cases damage your lawn. Today we are sharing some helpful tips to get it right the first time.
The equipment required
Handy hose on packs can seem convenient, but are limited in what they treat. Some packs can be harmful to different varieties of turf and can kill both your weeds and your lawn.
We recommend a 5L pump action sprayer. They allow you to measure accurately due to clearly defined markings. Pump action sprayers give you a consistent spray and can cover large areas to evenly distribute herbicides. If you are feeling fancy, you can use a backpack sprayer.
Another handy piece of lawn care equipment is a small measuring cup. You can then accurately measure the correct amount of herbicide. The best size is 50ml with millilitre increments on the side.
We also recommend being safe by wearing gloves, long pants and shoes.
#3 golden rules of spraying herbicides
#1: Know your grass know your weeds
Spraying the wrong chemicals can have a catastrophic effect on your lawn. Identifying which variety you have, and what weeds you are trying to kill. If you have a Sir Walter DNA Certified lawn, broadleaf weeds can be treated with the chemical Amgrow BIN-DIE.
If you are unsure which type of weed you have and how they should be treated see our handy weed identification guide:
#2: Spray early and early in the morning
Spraying weeds before they go to flower is crucial, otherwise they will reseed. Herbicides rely on photosynthesis to work. So you will need to give them enough time to activate to take action. You want to apply herbicides in the morning, allowing them 6 hours to work. A simple rule is to apply herbicides in the morning and pesticides in the evening.
#3: Be precise and patient
Herbicides will need to be applied at the correct application rate. Following instructions on the packaging and measuring carefully. This is where using a measuring cup and pump sprayer will make life easier.
Using the example of Amgrow BIN-DIE the mixing rate is 30ml for every 5-10L. Dishwashing liquid can also be added to act as a suffocant. Suffocants or stickers as they are known will break the surface tension and make it easier for the herbicide to be taken up by the weed.
Some herbicides take time to work. The worst thing to do is to panic and reapply too soon. If further applications are required the instructions on the packaging will state so clearly. For example a second application of Amgrow BIN-DIE may be required in 3 to 4 weeks. We recommend setting a reminder on your phone to check out the progress after 3 weeks.
#4: Extra tip
If you have a few weeds, spot spraying may be best. This allows you to use less chemicals and will then ensure that you spray the weeds themselves. We recommend adding food colouring to your mixture to see where you have sprayed.
Confused about where to start? Check out our handy video on How to spray for weeds:
To get some more advice on how to spray for weeds and more lawn care tips call our team on (07) 3114 8281. You can also to pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm.
For more great turf, tips keep an eye on our website and all our social media channels.
