7 Easy Steps to Restore a Lawn Full of Weeds

For garden enthusiasts, there’s nothing more annoying than weeds in their lawn. After cultivating and caring for their gardens, weeds that steal nutrients and infest their outdoor space are truly unacceptable.

If weeds are still manageable, you can handpick them and remove their roots. However, once they have already spread out, it can be tricky to manage. Trees Down Under, a leading Sydney tree removal company has prepared these easy steps to restore a lawn full of weeds.

Step #1: Determine the Weeds Present in Your Lawn

Most garden owners don’t know if the plants growing on their lawn are weeds or not. Honestly, it is hard to identify them as some produce flowers, such as dandelion, white clover, and oxalis. People might consider them as flowering plants that provide colour harmony and makes the garden visually appealing.

In general, weeds can appear as broadleaf or grass-like. Once you spot unusual plants scattered around your lawn and you did not plant them, chances are they are weeds - ready to compete and steal for nutrients.

Check out these types of noxious weeds found in NSW and how to deal with them. Also, you can search for the common weeds in NSW through NSW WeedWise.

Step #2: Clear Infected Plant Areas

Use a hand shovel to remove weeds as much as possible and make sure to pull out their roots completely. Moreover, don’t leave these weeds on the ground as they can be replanted once you mow your lawn next time.

Also, you should set the mow blades at the highest setting to crowd out unseen weeds in the area. As long as your grass is tall, vigorous, and thick, weeds won’t be a lawn problem.

Step #3: Apply a Herbicide

There are two types of herbicides to consider before applying them to weeds. Selective herbicides can kill weeds while leaving other plants unharmed. It is the appropriate herbicide if you want to clear an area in a lawn. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides eliminate most plants, which is perfect if you choose to start a new garden.

Once you come up with a decision, apply the herbicide directly into the foliage but make sure to avoid spraying them on the wrong plant. Follow the instructions stated in the manual and use protective gears, such as masks, gloves, and long sleeves, for your safety. Lastly, don’t apply herbicide during windy and rainy days.

Step #4: Aerate your Lawn

Aeration is the process that pierces the soil with holes so that air, water, and nutrients can easily penetrate the grassroots. You can rent equipment, or you can call professional gardeners. If you choose the first option, follow these steps:

• Look for an aerating machine that can remove soil plugs 5-8cm deep, 1-2cm diameter, and 5-8cm apart.

• Make sure first that the soil is moist.

• Pass over the affected areas and do multiple passes over the most compacted soils.

• Dry the excavated soil plugs and break them up using a newly-sharpened lawnmower.

Step #5: Plant Seeds

Choose the appropriate seed depending on your preference and soil type. It is wiser to plant drought-resistant or heat-resistant grasses so there would be less maintenance. Follow these steps to lay down your seeds properly:

• Prepare the right amount of seed – as a rule of thumb, 15 seeds per 6 sq. cm.

• Lay down 2.5cm of topsoil and use a spreader to apply the seed to the soil.

• Make sure to spread the seeds evenly.

• Put a top dressing at most 6mm thick.

• Add a starter fertiliser.

Step #6: Water the Soil

Watering your lawn after planting the seeds can establish deep roots. Do it at least twice a week in the early morning to avoid the sun. The water requirement for most lawns is 3.8cm every week. However, it differs depending on the type of grass or the climate in your area. Once you see rolled and greyish leaf blades, it means that you need to water more.

Step #7: Fertilise your Lawn

Fertilisers bring nutrients to your grass. They contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. After you planted your seeds, you should have already applied a starter fertiliser. After 4-6 weeks, apply a regular fertiliser of your choice. Note that over-fertilising can cause harm to your grass and the environment, so only use it if necessary.

Conclusion

Weeds are unwanted and harmful plants that can compete for nutrients from your established plants and trees. Once you spot even a single weed, it is best to consider weed treatments so that you can save your other plants and trees.

However, if these weeds have already spread out uncontrollably, you can always follow our prepared guide. And if you are having trouble restoring your lawn full of weeds, calling a gardening professional may just be your best solution.

Jennifer Lee is a Content Strategist based in Sydney, Australia. She has over 5 years experience in creating engaging content for the home improvement, sustainability and eco-friendly sector.