A healthy, weed-free lawn not only improves a garden’s appearance, but is also durable and resistant to environmental stress and invasive plants. Unfortunately, broadleaf weeds can quickly take over, competing with grass for sunlight, water and nutrients, and disrupt the uniform appearance of lawn.

Protek Pure Lawn provides an effective way to control broadleaf weeds without damaging your lawn. This systemic, selective herbicide is formulated to target unwanted plants without harming your lawn when applied as directed. It controls many common broadleaf weeds, including blackjack, wild radish, khaki weed and devil’s thorn.

It is available in 100 ml, 200 ml and 1-litre bottles.

Weeds rarely become a serious problem in healthy, actively growing lawns – they are usually an indication of lawn stress.

Sparse lawns allow weeds to establish easily.  This is often caused by incorrect mowing, drought stress, lack of nutrients, shady areas, compacted soil, or heavy foot traffic. Cutting grass too short weakens it and exposes the soil, making weed growth more likely.

Lawns are significantly affected by watering practices. Watering lightly and often, produces weak, shallow roots and encourages weeds. Whereas, watering deeply, but less frequently promotes strong roots and supports healthy, natural lawn growth.

Poor soil health is another major concern. Compacted  soil limits air flow, reduces water absorption and restricts root growth, all of which weaken your lawn and create ideal conditions for weeds to thrive.

Nutrient imbalances, particularly low nitrogen, can weaken lawns, so regular fertilising and occasional aeration help maintain vigour. Fertilise during the growing season with Protek Lawn & Foliage Fertilizer (7:1:3) every four weeks, or with NutriGreen Gro Green every six weeks for a greener option. Alternate between these two products for best results.

Broadleaf weeds and invasive grasses thrive in shade. Choose a shade-tolerant grass, such as Protek’s Pro-Lawn All Seasons Mix, and maintain it well to reduce stress.

Mechanical weed control gives instant results, but must be repeated frequently, as disturbing the soil brings more weed seeds to the surface, where they will germinate. It can be back-breaking work, especially if the lawn is infested with weeds.

 

Chemical herbicides are effective when used correctly. When using these, the most crucial issue is to read and follow the instructions on the label, and make sure you use the correct product for the specific weeds and circumstances where the weeds occur.

Top tips: 

To improve the performance of pesticides and get more bang for your buck, the following products are recommended for use in conjunction with Pure Lawn:

Protek Sprayfilm 10

Sprayfilm 10, is a non-ionic spreader and sticker, will help to improve the efficacy of the product by ensuring that all parts of the leaves and plant surfaces are adequately covered. Spreader and sticker products like Sprayfilm 10 help to improve the adhesion of spray droplets to the plant, and extend the lifespan of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and foliar fertilisers. With its use, the waxy coating on some leaves can be better penetrated, and excessive run-off is prevented. Sprayfilm 10 is rain fast up to 25 mm within 1 hour and will not wash off.

 

Protek All Buff

Most plant protection products are unstable at low (acidic) or high (alkaline) pH, and pesticide efficacy is compromised when the pH of the mixing water is too high or too low. Most pest control remedies are stable within a pH range of 4 to 6.5. All Buff lowers the pH of alkaline water and raises the pH of acid spray water, buffering the pH to an optimum level. For efficient pesticide performance, always buffer the water with Protek All Buff before adding the pesticide to the dilution water.

 

Mixing Instructions:

• Mix 1 ml of Protek All Buff with one litre of water in a spray bottle or spray can.
• Add the correct dose of Pure Lawn to this mixture and mix well.
• Add Sprayfilm 10.

The use of a broad-spectrum, selective herbicide like Pure Lawn remains one of the most effective methods for controlling unwanted weed infestations over the longer term. Pure Lawn eradicates existing weeds and prevents the germination of weed seeds, resulting in a healthy, attractive garden. It requires a strategic approach that includes selecting the appropriate herbicide, timing applications, and adhering to label instructions. It should be integrated with good lawn care practices, such as regular mowing, proper watering and nutrition, which promote a dense, healthy lawn that naturally resists weeds. By combining these measures, you too can achieve a lush, weed-free lawn.

Registered in terms of Act 36 of 1947

READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT

Pure Lawn: L7220, MCPA 400 g/l, WARNING, H302 – harmful if swallowed, H312 – harmful in contact with skin, H332 – harmful if inhaled, H400- very toxic to aquatic life, H410- very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, registration holder: UPL South Africa (Pty) Ltd, company registration number: 2009/019713/07, 7 Sunbury Office Park, Off Douglas Saunders Drive, La Lucia, 4019, telephone number: 031 514 5600

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: PE-BEE Agri (Pty) Ltd, company registration number 2008/036308/07, PO Box 72, 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

AllBuff: L6154, organic buffer system & alkylated phenol ethylene oxide condensate, 484,7 g/l, DANGER, H290 – may be corrosive to metals, H303 – may be harmful if swallowed, H314 – causes severe skin burns and eye damage, H318 – causes serious eye damage, H401 – toxic to aquatic life, registration holder:  Arysta LifeScience South Africa (Pty) Ltd, company registration number: 2009/019713/07, 7 Sunbury Office Park, Off Douglas Saunders Drive, La Lucia, 4019, telephone number: 031 514 5600

Sprayfilm 10: L7120, terpene polymer, 902,4 g/l, L7120, WARNING, H302 – harmful if swallowed, H315 + H320 – causes skin irritation and eye irritation, registration holder:  Arysta LifeScience South Africa (Pty) Ltd, company registration number: 2009/019713/07, 7 Sunbury Office Park, Off Douglas Saunders Drive, La Lucia, 4019, telephone number: 031 514 5600

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