With the right combination of good lawn care, Tui lawn products and targeted herbicide use, you can keep weeds under control and enjoy a thicker, greener lawn year‑round.
Keeping weeds out long term
The best weed control is a thick, healthy lawn. Over time, focus on building strong grass growth so weeds have less opportunity to establish.
- Start by correcting your soil pH with lime where needed. An invasion of broadleaf weeds can be a sign your soil is too acidic for healthy grass growth. Applying lime can help restore the balance, but since it works gradually, regular applications each season or year will help build and maintain long-term soil health.
- Regular feeding is also essential - apply a balanced fertiliser two to three times a year, like a Tui LawnForce® slow release lawn fertilisers, to support steady, healthy growth.
- For compacted areas, aerate the soil to improve airflow and root development. When repairing damaged patches or establishing new lawn, use Tui LawnForce® Lawn Preparation Mix to create the ideal foundation for dense grass growth.
- Oversowing is another key step. Fill in thin or dry patches with Tui LawnForce® Superstrike® lawn seed to reduce open spaces where weeds can take hold.
- Consistent mowing also plays an important role. Mow regularly at the correct height for the season to encourage new growth and help your lawn naturally crowd out invading weeds. Discover more lawn mowing tips here >
controlling weeds with with herbicides
When controlling weeds using herbicides it's important that the lawn is actively growing to get the best absorption of the active ingredient for the best knock-down, and is not stressed due to drought, cold temperatures, rain or watering too soon after spraying.
Spring and autumn are the best times spray lawn weeds, using a selective herbicide or spraying with a non-selective systemic weedkiller.
- Selective herbicides are specially formulated to control broadleaf weeds without harming grass. They may however burn some fine turf fescues so it's a good idea to test a patch first. The whole area can be sprayed (if passed the test patch). Weeds will yellow and die off after around 7 days without harming the grass.
- A non-selective systemic weedkiller controls everything it comes into contact with. Use as a spot spray treatment or to clear and prepare an entire area before sowing a lawn.
Some grasses are invasive and unwanted in lawns such as couch, twitch, kikuyu and Poa annua, selective broadleaf herbicides aren’t effective as they are a grass. A non-selective systemic weedkiller is needed. Persistent or perennial weeds may need repeat applications. Here are some tips on how to identify common weeds in your lawn >
Once weeds have browned off, rake out the dead patches, add lawn preparation mix, and resow with a similar grass seed type to match your existing lawn. Learn how to sow a lawn here >
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