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WEEDS, pests and disease can negatively impact the quality and health of the lawn and need to be kept under control.
Some of the most common weeds include cudweed, cape weed, dandelion and clover.
They can be controlled using chemicals or by hand weeding.
Selecting the herbicide to spray is very important, picking up the wrong one could result in killing your lawn.
Broadleaf herbicides will not harm the lawn and are generally safe to use on all lawn types.
However, any herbicide which contains dicamba as the active ingredient is not safe to use on buffalo grass.
Herbicides which do not contain dicamba are safe on all lawn types.
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If you're not sure what type of chemical to use get the advice of an expert before purchasing anything.
While weeds can be a constant problem in lawns and gardens, pests may pop up every now and then.
Some common pests include white curl grub, armyworm and sod web worm which damage the lawn by either burrowing into the soil and feeding on the roots of the lawn or feeding on the leaves and stems.
Birds can make a mess of the lawn very quickly but they are often a sign that there are other problems with the lawn like pests or weeds.
To get rid of birds simply treat the issue that they are pointing out whether it be grubs or weeds.
Spraying can remove these problems but be careful what chemical is used so birds will not be harmed if they feed on the dying grubs.
Fungal diseases can impact the lawn and usually start as small yellow patches.
Some of these diseases include dollar spot, spring dead spot, fairy rings and brown patch.
The roots of the lawn will start to rot if these diseases aren’t controlled.
To figure out if it’s a disease and not a pest examine the area for signs of dampness, mushy stems and roots or fine white threads in the soil.
To treat a fungal disease apply a lawn fungicide, ensure sufficient sunlight can get to the lawn by trimming overhanging branches, mow regularly and do not overwater (allow time for it to dry out completely between watering).
When your lawn is looking better it is important to remember a strong and healthy lawn requires regular doses of fertiliser to improve growth.
