Say you’re the grounds manager for a local sports club. After months of planning, your main field looks patchy. Crabgrass has taken over the goal areas. Clover dominates the sidelines.
Creeping oxalis is spreading through the centre circle. As soil temperatures climb in early spring, both grass roots and weed seedlings compete for the same space, but the weeds got there first.
Now, your club president is asking questions, players are complaining about uneven surfaces, and you’re scrambling to control weeds that should never have taken hold.
Here’s the reality: spring weed control isn’t just about reacting to problems; it’s about preventing weeds before they even start. This guide shows you exactly what to do (and what to avoid) so your lawn stays healthy through the growing season.
Table of Contents
Why Does Spring Timing Matter for Weed Control?
Spring is a make-or-break season for lawn care professionals. As winter grass fades and soil temperatures reach 10-13°C, common weeds like crabgrass, broadleaf weeds, and winter grass emerge alongside your desirable turf.
Miss your window, and you’ll spend summer fighting established weeds instead of enjoying thick, green surfaces.
“The biggest challenge we see is grounds teams thinking they have more time than they do. Once weeds are actively growing, you’re always playing catch-up,” says Australian Lawn Concepts’ agronomy team.
Your Turf Type Matters:
Whether you’re managing Zoysia (Augusta, Empire, Nara Native), Buffalo (Sir Walter, Sapphire, Palmetto), Couch (Wintergreen), or Bermudagrass (IronCutter Elite), each variety has different growing patterns and weed pressure windows.
What Are the Most Common Weeds vs. Healthy Turf
| Weed Type | When It Appears | Where It Thrives | Control Window |
| Crabgrass | Soil temperature 10-15°C | Thin, stressed lawn areas | Before germinate |
| Clover | Early spring to mid spring | Low-nitrogen soils | Post emergent treatment |
| Creeping Oxalis | Early spring | Moist, shaded areas | Post emergent treatment |
| Winter Grass | Late winter through spring | Cool-season areas | Post emergent treatment |
💡 Key insight: Broadleaf weeds (clover, oxalis) need different treatment than grassy weeds (crabgrass, winter grass). Using the wrong herbicide wastes time and money.
Broadleaf weeds (like clover and oxalis) need different treatment than grassy weeds (crabgrass and winter grass). Using the wrong herbicide can harm your turf. Meanwhile, healthy, thick turf naturally crowds out weeds; dense stands of Zoysia, Buffalo, Couch, or Bermudagrass resist invasion and recover quickly.
Encourage turf health by mowing at the correct height, feeding with nitrogen to fill in bare patches, and watering deeply but not too often.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on prevention! Start your weed control as soon as soil temps hit 10°C, targeting problem weeds before they take hold. Selective herbicides tailored to both weed and turf type will give you the best chance at lush, even green space.
What Should You Do vs. What Should You Avoid?
To manage weeds without harming turf health, use selective herbicides depending on your lawn’s weed type and grass variety.
Spot-treat weeds while they’re young and actively growing, but avoid non-selective herbicides, which can damage desirable turf.
DO:
- Feed your lawn with essential nutrients like nitrogen to build density
- Use selective herbicides matched to your weed type and turf variety
- Mow at the proper height; never remove more than one-third of the grass blade
- Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots
- Apply treatments when weeds are actively growing, but before they flower
DON’T:
- Wait until weeds are established; prevent weeds instead of chasing them
- Use non selective herbicides on established lawns (these kill everything)
- Scalp your lawn through aggressive mowing—this invites weed seed invasion
- Overwater, creating shallow roots and soggy soil conditions
Combine this with good maintenance: mow at the recommended height, feed your lawn with proper nutrients (like fertiliser) to promote thick growth, and water deeply but less frequently.
Healthy, dense turf naturally crowds out weeds, reducing herbicide reliance and keeping your lawn vigorous throughout the season.
Check out our lawn care essentials and packs for more details.
Expert Insight:
Lee Bailee: “The team at ALC were professional, supportive and very friendly during the whole process. Jarrod was brilliant at communicating and also dropped by proactively 4 weeks after the lawn was laid to check it.”
How Do You Plan Your Seasonal Weed Control Strategy?
💡 Pro Tip: Always test soil temperatures before beginning any treatment program. When temperatures consistently reach 10°C, weed seeds start to germinate, and your action window opens. Check out the OxStar Lawn Fertiliser & Weed Preventer and our weed killer range to keep your lawn free of weeds.
Key Seasonal Insights:
- Late Winter: Focus on preparation, soil health, and apply the pre-emergent (Ox-Star)
- Early Spring: Any weeds that have germinated prior to the use of the pre-emergent (OxStar) will still pop up. At this point, use the correct selective herbicide based on the weed and turf variety.
- Mid Spring: Peak growing season requires consistent monitoring
- Late Spring: Final treatments before summer heat stress
Professional Action Plan: Month by Month
Late Winter (July-August)
Focus: Soil preparation and pre-emergent planning
- Test soil temperatures; when they consistently reach 10°C, weed seeds begin to germinate
- Apply OxStar fertiliser with weed preventer for specific winter grass control
- Plan post post-emergent herbicide strategy for existing weeds
Early Spring (September)
Focus: Active weed management begins
- Spot treat emerging broadleaf weeds with Bow & Arrow
- Feed turf with All Rounder or ZOYSTAR to build competitive strength
- Begin regular mowing schedule—maintain proper height for your grass type
Mid Spring (October)
Focus: Maximum growing period management
- Continue post-emergent treatments
- Water deeply to support healthy lawn growth
- Monitor and treat nutgrass with Tempra if present
Late Spring (November)
Focus: Summer preparation
- Final weed treatments before warmer months
- Establish strong turf coverage to prevent weeds through the summer
- Adjust mowing and watering for seasonal transition
What Do Successful Customers Say About Results?
Real results from our clients:
Stewart Scott: “ALC has all the right advice, and Palmetto is still my favourite so turned a dusty area into a nice shade and grass vista.”
Jackson Musk: “I ordered some iron cutter green couch and it has performed unreal, roots down super fast, extreme green colour and after 3 weeks it’s still weed free.”
Colin Butler: “Great service. Easy to deal with and order and quick delivery. Turf arrived in great condition and with the tips provided for laying has taken extremely well.”
People also ask about turf and weed control weeds
To help you with common concerns and get the most out of your spring lawn weed control efforts, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. When should you start lawn weed control in spring?
Begin monitoring soil temperatures in late winter. When temperatures consistently reach 10-13°C, it’s time for action. Contact ALC’s agronomy team for local soil temperature data and product recommendations.
2. Can you use the same herbicide on all turf areas?
No. Buffalo, Couch, and Zoysia often require different products. Bow & Arrow works on multiple turf types, but always verify compatibility before application.
3. What’s the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating. Post emergent herbicides kill weeds that are already growing. ALC’s OxStar provides some pre-emergent action, while Bow & Arrow and Tempra are post-emergent solutions.
4. How do you know if your soil surface needs a wetting agent?
If water runs off instead of soaking in, you need a wetting agent. This helps nutrients and treatments reach the grass roots effectively.
5. When should you call lawn care professionals?
For large sites, complex weed problems, or if you’re unsure about product selection, ALC’s agronomy team provides site visits and customised treatment plans.
Final Thoughts: Your Lawn’s Success Starts with Smart Spring Choices
Spring weed control isn’t about luck. It’s about timing, the right products, and expert guidance. While weeds compete for space, nutrients, and water, your healthy lawn depends on decisions you make now. Whether you’re managing sports fields, parks, or commercial landscapes, preventing weeds beats fighting them later.
Australian Lawn Concepts provides the products, expertise, and ongoing support that turn challenging weed control into manageable success. From Bow & Arrow for broadleaf weeds to OxStar for prevention, ALC’s proven solutions work.
Don’t let weeds steal your season. Call ALC today on 07 4439 8897 or visit alcturf.com.au for expert advice, quality products, and the partnership your lawn deserves. Your reputation depends on results—let ALC help you deliver them.