Weeds in Lawns: Why Everyone’s Seeing Them Right Now

Weeds taking over your lawn this Spring? Learn why they’re appearing, how to identify them, and the best ways to control and prevent them using safe, effective herbicides or natural methods for a healthy, weed-free lawn.

Summary

Weeds seem to be the problem everyone’s dealing with in their lawns right now. As the weather warms and Spring growth kicks in, winter weeds like winter grass and soursob are dying off, only to be replaced by fast-germinating broadleaf weeds such as clover and oxalis. This article explains why this happens, how to tell what kind of weeds you’re dealing with, and the most effective ways to control them — both immediately and long-term — so your lawn can stay healthy and weed-free through the growing season.

 

Let’s look at why weeds are so active right now, what kinds you can expect to see, and how to manage them effectively.

Weed Activity in Lawns During Spring

As soil temperatures start to rise, the types of weeds you see will change.
Winter weeds like winter grass and soursob are now on their way out. These annual weeds thrive in cooler months, but as the soil warms, they naturally die off, drop their seeds, and lie dormant until next winter. (If you’d like to prevent them from coming back next year, 

In their place, broadleaf weeds begin to emerge — and they can appear almost overnight. It’s not unusual to see lawns suddenly taken over by these fast-growing, wide-leafed invaders.

Common broadleaf weeds include:

• Clover
• Bur-medic
• Dandelion (often called “doc dandelion”)
• Creeping oxalis
• Chickweed

Some, like dandelion and chickweed, are relatively easy to control. Others — particularly creeping oxalis, clover, and bur medic — are tougher and require persistence.

Identifying Weed Types

Weed identification can be tricky. Juvenile weeds often look very different from their mature forms, making it hard to know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Fortunately, for home lawns, you don’t need to know the exact weed. What matters most is the group it belongs to — broadleaf, grass-type, or sedge — because herbicides are formulated to target these groups rather than individual species.

Controlling Weeds in Lawns

Weed control generally falls into two main categories: organic or chemical. The right approach depends on your lawn type, your level of tolerance for weeds, and your personal preferences about using chemicals.

1. Organic Weed Control Methods

Organic methods focus on reducing weeds naturally without the use of synthetic herbicides. These options are ideal for people who prefer a chemical-free approach or want to maintain a child- or pet-friendly lawn.

Hand Removal
Pulling weeds by hand (or with a weeding tool) is one of the most effective natural methods, particularly for small outbreaks or isolated weeds like dandelion or oxalis. The key is to remove as much of the root as possible to prevent regrowth.

Encouraging Lawn Density
The best organic weed control is a healthy, vigorous lawn. A dense turf canopy shades the soil surface and outcompetes weeds for light and nutrients. Regular mowing, correct watering, and seasonal fertilising will help your lawn fill in bare areas where weeds would otherwise germinate.

Topdressing and Overseeding
If your lawn is thin or patchy, consider topdressing and overseeding in spring to increase density. The thicker the lawn, the fewer opportunities weeds have to establish.

While organic methods require persistence and patience, they’re ideal for those looking for sustainable, long-term weed management through improved lawn health.

2. Chemical Weed Control Methods

Chemical control involves using selective herbicides, which target specific weed groups while leaving your lawn unharmed. These products are designed for lawns and are highly effective when weeds have spread beyond spot treatment.

Chemical methods fall into two key categories:

Post-Emergent Herbicides

Post-emergent herbicides target weeds that are already visible in the lawn. For broadleaf weeds, one of the best-performing options is:

• Bow and Arrow – Safe for most lawn varieties and highly effective on persistent weeds such as clover, creeping oxalis, and dandelion. While it’s a premium product, it provides excellent results and long-lasting control with minimal risk to your turf.

Do’s

• Always follow the label directions exactly. Using more concentrate doesn’t improve performance and can damage your lawn.
• Add a small amount of wetting agent to your mix. This helps the spray stick to the weed leaves, improving penetration and results.

Don’ts

• Avoid hose-on applicators. They deliver inconsistent concentrations due to water pressure variations. For best results, use a hand-held or backpack pressure sprayer.
• Avoid herbicides containing Dicamba. This chemical can drift or leach, damaging trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants nearby.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Once existing weeds are under control, apply a pre-emergent such as Spartan.
Pre-emergents create a protective layer in the soil that stops new weed seeds from germinating, helping prevent reinfestation. They’re particularly useful for lawns that experience recurring spring or summer weed problems.

For long-term success, combine both:

• Post-emergent herbicides – to eliminate visible weeds
• Pre-emergent herbicides – to prevent new weeds from emerging

When Weeds Just Won’t Die

If you’ve sprayed but weeds are still coming back, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Confirm that you’re using the correct herbicide for your lawn and weed type.
• Apply the product at the recommended rate — stronger isn’t better.
• Avoid spraying before rain or heavy dew.
• Spray on warm, dry days for best absorption.
• Treat the whole lawn rather than just patches — hidden weeds will otherwise survive.
• Repeat applications every 3–4 weeks for persistent weeds like creeping oxalis.

Some weeds take several applications to fully control, so consistency and timing are crucial.

Spring is a turning point for your lawn — and for weeds. As soil temperatures rise, your lawn starts growing fast, but so do the weeds competing with it. Staying on top of them now sets the tone for the rest of the season. Whether you prefer to keep things natural through lawn health and hand weeding or take a more targeted approach with selective herbicides, the goal is the same: to help your turf dominate and crowd out unwanted plants. Once you’ve gained control, protect your efforts with a pre-emergent like Spartan to stop new weeds before they appear. A little consistency now means a greener, cleaner lawn for the months ahead.

For tailored lawn advice or help choosing the right product, call us on (08) 8298 0555 or email info@paulmunnsinstantlawn.com.au — our team is here to help your lawn look its best.