As winter begins to transition into spring, homeowners are turning their attention to lawn maintenance.
However, with the seasonal shift comes the emergence of persistent weeds.
Because different weed species require specific eradication methods, proper identification is the first step before applying any treatments.
Applying the wrong product can result in poor weed control or, in some cases, severe damage to the lawn itself.
Below is a guide to identifying and managing some of the most common lawn weeds currently appearing in local yards:
1. Bindii (Solvia pterosperma) and Clover (Trifolium spp.)
Bindii is infamous for producing sharp, painful burrs, while clover is easily recognised by its distinctive three-lobed leaves.
Identification: Young bindii features fine, carrot-like foliage starting in late autumn or early winter. Clover forms thick, green patches across the lawn.
Treatment: The key to managing bindii is timing.
It must be treated with a selective broadleaf herbicide in late winter or early spring before the plant sets seed.
Once the sharp burrs form in late spring, chemical control is no longer effective.
Clover can be treated with the same herbicide, though severe infestations may require repeat applications.
2. Creeping Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata)
Often mistaken for clover, creeping oxalis is a highly invasive, spreading weed that forms dense mats.
Identification: It features clover-like leaves that range from light green to a purple-green hue. The most reliable identifier is its small, bright yellow, five-petalled flowers.
Treatment: Because creeping oxalis roots along its stems, hand pulling is rarely successful.
It is best treated with a selective herbicide containing MCPA and bromoxynil. Multiple applications may be necessary to completely eradicate it.
3. Winter grass (Poa annua)
Winter grass is a cool-season weed that thrives during the damp, cold months of the year.
Identification: It is a fine-textured, lime-green grass that grows in distinct tufts, quickly developing creamy white, feathery seed heads.
Treatment: While it naturally dies off when the weather warms, it leaves behind thousands of seeds for the following year.
It is best managed with a specialised pre-emergent spray early in the season to prevent the seeds from germinating, or a targeted winter grass killer once visible.
4. Burr Medic (Medicago polymorpha)
Often resembling a hybrid of clover, creeping oxalis and bindii, burr medic is a highly resilient weed that easily tolerates dry conditions.
Identification: It features tri-lobed leaves and small yellow flowers that mature into tightly coiled, spiny seed pods (burrs).
Treatment: There are currently no selective retail herbicides formulated to target burr medic without damaging the surrounding lawn.
The most effective control methods are regular mowing to prevent the flowers from turning into burrs and manually pulling the weeds by hand.
5. Lambs’ Tongue / Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
This robust weed is easy to spot due to its unique growth habit and leaf structure.
Identification: It grows as a flat, dense rosette of long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
The leaves are deeply veined or ribbed with slightly curled edges. Tall, thin stems topped with dense seed heads emerge in mid-spring.
Treatment: Lambs’ tongue is highly susceptible to selective broadleaf herbicides, which can be applied to the foliage during active growth.
When applying any chemical herbicides or pest control products to your lawn, safety should always be the priority.
Always read the product label carefully before use, follow dilution and application instructions precisely, wear suitable protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection and closed footwear, and store all garden chemicals securely out of reach of children and family pets.
