Victoria’s cooler months provide ideal conditions for certain weed species to germinate and thrive, particularly while warm-season lawns like buffalo, couch and kikuyu slow their growth or enter dormancy. This seasonal mismatch gives winter weeds an opportunity to establish themselves before lawn grasses can compete.
Common winter weeds compete for nutrients when your lawn is at its weakest, develop deep root systems that are harder to remove later, drop seeds that create bigger problems next season, and leave behind bare patches that invite even more weeds. Waiting until spring can make the problem exponentially worse - for example, just one winter grass plant left untreated can become dozens next season.
How to Identify Common Winter Weeds in Victoria
Winter Grass (Poa annua)
Bright lime green colour, noticeably different from dormant lawn grass
Soft, drooping leaves that feel different underfoot
Triangular seed heads appear quickly and sit slightly above your lawn
Typically grows in small, loose clumps
Bindii (Soliva sessilis)
Low-growing, flat rosette of fern-like leaves
Typically 5–10 cm in diameter
Tiny yellow-green flowers form in the centre before turning into sharp seed heads
Treat before seed heads harden to avoid painful prickles
Broadleaf Weeds Group
Dandelion: Yellow flower, serrated leaf rosette
Plantain: Broad, ribbed leaves with parallel veins
Clover: Distinct three-leaf clusters with small white/pink flowers — often a sign of nitrogen deficiency
Capeweed: Yellow daisy-like flowers, large lobed grey-green leaves
Creeping Oxalis
Small, heart-shaped leaves often mistaken for clover
Tiny yellow flowers with five petals
Seeds disperse explosively, making early removal important
Onion Weed
Narrow, grass-like leaves with a mild onion smell when crushed
Small underground bulbs make it difficult to pull by hand
Thrives in acidic soils (low pH)
Assessing Your Weed Problem
Light Infestation
If you only notice a few scattered weeds across your lawn, you likely have a light infestation. In these cases, manual removal is usually effective and is often the simplest solution, especially for those preferring non-chemical methods.
Moderate Infestation
Moderate infestations appear as visible patches of weeds, although lawn grass is still dominant overall. Selective herbicides are often the most effective option at this stage, targeting the weeds without damaging your turf.
Heavy Infestation
If weeds have taken over large sections of your lawn, you’re dealing with a heavy infestation. In this case, selective herbicides may not be enough — you might need to consider more intensive renovation, including turf replacement or overseeding.
HG Turf Tips:
Estimate % coverage to guide your approach
Seed head formation = urgent treatment
Consider professional help for dense, persistent weed growth
Best Timing for Winter Weed Control
Autumn (March–May)
Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent germination
Fertilise and mow regularly to thicken turf coverage
Winter (June–August)
Peak time for post-emergent weed treatments
Apply herbicides on mild days (avoid frost and rain)
Most effective at 10–25°C with no wind
Late Winter/Early Spring (August–September)
Final chance to treat before seed set
Start preparing for spring recovery
Timing matters — region-specific timing may vary slightly (e.g. coastal Victoria vs. inland).
Choosing the Right Removal Approach
Manual Removal
Best for light infestations or where herbicide use isn’t preferred
Time estimate: 15–30 minutes per 10m²
How-to:
Lightly water the area the day before
Use a hand weeder or small spade depending on the weed
Remove roots (or bulbs for onion weed)
Dispose of weeds carefully (not in compost)
Overseed bare patches to stop new weeds
Special tips:
Onion weed: Dig entire bulb, don’t pull
Winter grass: Remove before seed heads appear
Bindii: Act early to avoid prickles
Selective Herbicides
Target weeds without damaging grass
Match product to your turf type:
Turf Type
Safe Herbicides
Buffalo
Bromoxynil, Dicamba-based (check label)
Couch
Wintergrass-selective and broadleaf products
Kikuyu
Use with care — some products may damage
Fescue
Most broadleaf herbicides safe
Popular options:
Pre-emergent: Oxadiazon
Post-emergent: Bromoxynil, MCPA
Winter grass control: Propyzamide-based products
Organic/Natural Methods
There are several natural ways to control winter weeds. Boiling water can be effective as a spot treatment for isolated weeds, while corn gluten meal is sometimes used as a natural pre-emergent solution. Ultimately, the best organic defence is a dense, healthy lawn that outcompetes weeds naturally.
Keep in mind, however, that these methods require consistent application and are generally less effective once weeds are well established.
Application Techniques & Safety Considerations
Key Application Tips
Apply in calm, dry weather
Use a knapsack sprayer or sponge brush for precision
Follow these steps:
Mow and water lightly 24 hours before
Mix herbicide carefully per label instructions
Apply evenly across affected areas
Avoid watering or mowing for 24–48 hours after
Safety Protocols
Always wear gloves, long sleeves, mask and goggles
Keep kids and pets off treated lawns for at least 24 hours
Avoid spraying near garden beds or drains
Store herbicides safely and dispose of containers correctly
Post-Treatment Care and Spring Preparation
First 1–2 Weeks
Avoid heavy foot traffic
Water only if dry (or if product recommends it)
Check if weeds begin to die off
2–6 Weeks After Treatment
Fertilise to support lawn recovery
Overseed thin patches
Expect visible improvement within a month
Spring Lawn Prep
Plan any lawn renovations
Rake out dead weeds, re-level low areas
Apply pre-emergent herbicide for next winter
Normal signs: Lawn may yellow slightly — this is temporary. Retreatment may be needed for persistent weeds.
.webp)
.webp)
.png)
.png)
