Every gardener desires a lush, healthy lawn, but broadleaf weeds can quickly take over if left unattended. They not only disrupt the uniform appearance of the lawn creating uneven patches, but compete for sunlight, water and nutrients which can weaken the lawn over time. Several broadleaf weeds invade lawns, including clover, pigweed, khaki weed, common blackjack, and dubbeltjies to name but a few. A selective herbicide like Lawn Defender will target and eliminate broadleaf weeds effectively without harming the surrounding lawn, which will improve the health of the lawn and eliminate hand-pulling of weeds which could be time-consuming and ineffective for larger lawns.
Protek’s Lawn Defender is a ready-to-use weed killer that targets broad leaf weeds without harming your lawn. Apply after weeds emerge and are actively growing. Lawn Defender can be used on a wide variety of established lawns and turf. For optimal control, apply Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer 7:1:3 two to three weeks prior to applying Lawn Defender. After application, growth of the broadleaf weeds will slow down, showing visible results in a few days. A follow up treatment may be required when new weed seeds emerge, or stubborn weeds exist. Avoid mowing for a few days before and after herbicide application. Available in a 375 ml RTU spray bottle.
Lawns weakened by plant diseases or insect pests are more susceptible to weed invasion due to increased open spaces. Additionally, incorrect watering practices, like overwatering, underwatering or faulty or incorrectly set sprinklers, can exacerbate weed problems in lawns. To prevent shallow-rooted weeds from gaining an advantage, established lawns should be watered deeply but infrequently allowing soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Frequent mowing during active growth periods is essential. Avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, as excessive cutting can impair grass recovery and promote weed invasion. Regular mowing of weedy lawns prevents patchy appearances and inhibits weed seed formation. Ensure mower blades are sharp to avoid damage and clean the mower thoroughly after each use to remove weed seeds.
Thatch removal also plays a crucial role in keeping lawns healthy. While a thin layer of thatch can limit weed germination, thick layers can hinder the circulation of air, water, and nutrients within the soil, weakening the lawn and making it susceptible to weed invasions.
Regular aeration is necessary to alleviate soil compaction caused by heavy traffic, which restricts the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the roots. Aerate when the lawn is actively growing to ensure optimal results.
Mechanical weed control provides immediate results but requires frequent repetition, as soil disturbance brings more weed seeds to the surface where they can germinate. Remove weeds while they are young and before they set seed.
Maintaining a healthy lawn requires fertilisation during the growing season using Protek Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer 7:1:3 or NutriGreen Gro Green for a greener option. Apply Protek Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer every four weeks and NutriGreen Gro Green every six weeks. For optimal results, alternate between Protek Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer and NutriGreen Gro Green.
Chemical herbicides offer effective weed control when used correctly. It is vital to read and follow label instructions carefully and to select the appropriate product for specific weeds and circumstances. A strategic approach, integrating the correct herbicide selection like Lawn Defender, timing of application, and adherence to label instructions is necessary to successfully combat weeds. Combining chemical control measures with good lawn care practices, such as regular mowing, proper watering, and nutrition, promotes a dense, healthy lawn that naturally resists weeds.
Registered in terms of Act 36 of 1947
READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT
Lawn Defender RTU: L11840, Dicamba 1,2 g/l, MCPA 3.0 g/l, WARNING, H303 – maybe harmful if swallowed, H313 – Maybe harmful if in contact with skin, H330 – maybe harmful if inhaleD, H410 – very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, registration holder: PE-BEE Agri (Pty) Ltd, company registration number 2008/036308/07, PO Box 72, Heidelberg, 1438, telephone number: 011 812 9800
Gro Green: B4655, 39 g/kg N, 10 g/kg P, 40 g/kg K, 61 mg/kg Zn, 17 mg/kg Cu, 22 mg/kg Mo, 869 mg/kg Fe, 256 mg/kg B, 212 mg/kg Mn, 315 g/kg C, group 2 fertiliser, not classifiable in terms of GHS, registration holder: Farmworx (Pty) Ltd, company registration number: 2012/092415/07, PO Box 645, Heidelberg, 1439, telephone number: 011 812 9800
Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer 7:1:3 (15): K9915, 95 g/kg N, 13 g/kg P, 41 g/kg K, group 1 fertiliser, WARNING, H319 – causes serious eye irritation, H303 – harmful if inhaled, H313 – harmful if swallowed, H315 – causes skin irritation, registration holder: FarmWorx (Pty) Ltd, company registration number: 2012/092415/07, P O Box 645, Heidelberg, 1438, telephone number: 011 812 9800
Distributed by: Protek, a division of PE-BEE Agri (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 72, Heidelberg,1438, telephone number (011) 812-9800 or 0861 PROTEK (0861 77 68 35), www.protek.co.za