Weeds, Pests & Diseases
Weeds, Pests and Diseases with ProLawnsAu
Weeds, pests and diseases are a part of lawn care that every backyard will face from time to time. The key is catching them early before they spread and cause bigger problems. With the right approach, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and avoid most of the stress.
Weed Control
Healthy lawns naturally crowd out weeds, so the best defence is prevention. Regular mowing at the right height, feeding with fertiliser, aerating the soil, and staying on top of compaction all help stop weeds from getting established. If they do pop up, hand pulling while they’re young works well. For larger infestations, a selective herbicide may be needed, but always check it’s safe for your lawn type.
Common weeds to look out for include:
- Bindii
- Clover
- Creeping Oxalis
- Dandelion
- Crab Grass and Crow’s Foot
- Nut Grass
Pests
Lawn grubs are the most common pest problem, including black beetle larvae, armyworm, cutworm and sod webworm. These feed on roots and leaves, leaving your lawn patchy and thin. Birds pecking at your grass, white moths flying low, or brown straw-like patches can all be warning signs. Other pests like mites, ants and wireworms can also cause damage if not managed.
Treatment usually involves applying an insecticide at the right time of year, watered in well so it reaches the target zone.
Lawn Diseases
Fungal diseases thrive in warm, humid conditions and can spread quickly. They often show as brown patches, rings, or discoloured spots on the lawn. The best prevention is simple: avoid overwatering, improve airflow with mowing and aeration, and keep your lawn fed and balanced.
Common diseases include:
- Anthracnose
- Brown Patch
- Dollar Spot
- Fairy Ring
- Fusarium Patch
- Powdery Mildew
- Pythium/Drop Off
- Red Thread
- Rolf’s Disease
- Spring Dead Spot
Disease Identification
Being able to spot the signs early makes treatment easier.
- Anthracnose: reddish-brown turning to yellow patches
- Brown Patch: circular brown areas, common in humid weather
- Dollar Spot: small coin-sized brown spots
- Fairy Ring: circular dead patches, sometimes with mushrooms
- Fusarium Patch: yellow-brown patches in cool, wet weather
- Powdery Mildew: white powder on leaves
- Pythium/Drop Off: brown dead areas in hot, humid conditions
- Red Thread: reddish tinge to grass, spreads in humid periods
- Rolf’s Disease: large white fungal patches in humid weather
- Spring Dead Spot: affects couch, causes rotting stolons and recurring bare areas
Prevention First
Most problems can be avoided with good lawn care habits. Feed your lawn with Turf Tukka to keep it strong, mow regularly without scalping, water deeply but less often, and aerate compacted soil. A healthy lawn is always the best defence against weeds, pests and diseases.