Control Broadleaf weeds in turf at the start of Winter – NOT the end of Spring

As temperatures begin to drop and turf growth slows, it’s easy to push weed control down the priority list. However, when it comes to managing broadleaf weeds in turf, timing is everything. Waiting until late spring to tackle an infestation can not only cost more in labour and chemical inputs, but also result in poor visual presentation, increased competition with turfgrass, and reduced overall turf health. The most effective strategy? Start early—ideally at the beginning of winter.

Why early Winter matters

Broadleaf weeds such as clover, capeweed, bindii/Onehunga Weed, catsear, and dandelion typically germinate and establish during the cooler months. By the time spring rolls around, many of these weeds have already matured, flowered, and seeded—making them harder to control and more likely to spread seed.

Targeting these weeds early in their lifecycle—when they are small, actively growing, and have minimal root development—ensures more effective herbicide uptake and a higher chance of eradication.

Daisy
(Bellis perennis)

Benefits of Early Winter Weed Control

1. Improved Herbicide Efficacy:
Young, actively growing weeds absorb selective herbicides far more effectively than mature, hardened-off plants. Many broadleaf herbicides work systemically, meaning they need to be absorbed and translocated through the weed to be effective.

2. Better Turf Competition: 
Knocking out weeds early means your turf can head into spring with minimal competition for nutrients, light, and water. This gives your turf a head start in thickening up and closing any gaps where weeds might otherwise invade.

3. Reduced Seed Set:
Early control prevents many broadleaf weeds from flowering and setting seed. This significantly reduces the weed seed bank in your soil and cuts down the cycle of reinfestation year after year.

4. Lower Input Costs Over Time:
Treating small patches of weeds early means you may require less product, fewer reapplications, and less time spent on spot spraying or blanket applications later.

5. Improving Herbicide Performance:
Various broadleaf weeds have glossy or hairy leaf surfaces and / or small or thin leaf shape. Adding a suitable wetter or sticking agent ensures better leaf coverage and herbicide absorption, particularly in colder temperatures when uptake slows.

6. Soil and Turf Health:
Healthy turf is your first line of defence against weeds. Combine herbicide applications with balanced nutrition, good drainage, and regular mowing to promote dense, competitive turf that suppresses weed germination naturally.

By taking a proactive approach and targeting broadleaf weeds at the start of winter, turf managers can significantly improve long-term weed control outcomes. It not only enhances turf quality and presentation but also delivers savings in time, chemical costs, and stress management across the season.

Living Turf® is a subsidiary of Greenshed Pty Ltd, an Australian business that also boasts leading brands including; Precision Turf®, Greenspace 4D®, Turf Forensics®, MATCHplay®,Challenger® Turf Seeds, The Lawn Shed®, and LawnOnline®.