You will need:
- Herbicide
- Applicator (knapsack/boom sprayer/weed wiper)
- Correct PPE (overalls, rubber boots, chemical resistant gloves & face shield)
- Water
Why Are Lawn Weeds A Problem?
Not only do weeds look unsightly, they also compete against wanted grass for nutrients and space. Lawns may look patchy due to the uneven growth rate of weeds and grasses, different colours and textures. During Summer months where there may be a drought, grass will turn brown as part of its survival technique, whereas weeds usually remain greener.
Weeds are typically categorised as either an Annual Weed or a Perennial Weed (other categories also used but these are the main two). These terms are used to describe the growth pattern and life cycle of the weed. An Annual Weed completes its entire life cycle within one growing season or calendar year, going from seed to seed. Before dying back, an annual weed will drop seeds which will then germinate the following year. Common Annual Weeds include Chickweed, Fat Hen and Groundsel. Perennial weeds are weeds that do not die at the end of each season, they will lie dormant in the winter ready to re-grow in the Spring. These weeds include Dandelions, Dock Leaves, Mares Tail or Horse Tail, Bramble and Creeping Butercup.
What Types Of Chemical Control Are Available?
Total Herbicides – These are weed killers that kill all plants, weeds and grasses that it comes into contact with. These types of weed killers include Roundup (Glyphosate).
Selective Herbicides – These weed killers have been specifically formulated to kill the targeted weed(s) and to not harm the grass or surrounding plants. It is important to identify weeds to ensure you are using the correct selective herbicide to treat them.
How Do They Work?
Contact weed killers – These work by killing all above the surface growth
Systemic weed killers – These by drawing the chemical down into the roots of the weed, entirely killing it.
We always recommend following the manufactures instructions for application rate, storage and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). If you cannot identify a weed using a book or online guide we recommend sending a photograph and description to our FREE online Agronomist who can identify the weed and recommend a treatment plan.
How To Apply The Chemical?
Professional use chemicals are usually bought as a concentrate and need to be diluted with water before applying. This can often work out to be more cost effective than purchasing ready-made bottles from places such as garden centres. We recommend you make note of the application method before purchasing, to ensure the product has approval for the use intended and the method of application , e.g knapsack sprayer.
Please see our guide on How to use a Knapsack Sprayer.
