Lawn Weeds, Pests & Disease

If you’ve spent time caring for your lawn on the South Coast of NSW, Eurobodalla, Bega or Shoalhaven, you’ll know that weeds, pests, and disease can creep in even when you’re doing everything right.

At Southern Turf, we’re passionate about helping locals keep their lawns green, healthy, and weed-free all year round. This guide explains how to identify, treat, and prevent common problems — from Bindi and Crabgrass to Curl Grubs and Brown Patch fungus.

Weeds are simply plants growing where they’re not wanted. They thrive in weak or compacted soil and can quickly take over healthy turf if left unchecked. The key to prevention is maintaining a strong, well-fed lawn that can outcompete invaders.

General weed control tips:

• Remove seed heads before they mature.
• Always dig out the full root system when hand-weeding.
• Fertilise regularly to strengthen grass growth.
• Mow high to shade out weed seedlings.

Common Weeds on the South Coast of NSW, Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven

• Bindi Weed: A prickly nuisance that flourishes in winter and produces sharp burrs by summer. Remove manually in early spring, or apply a broadleaf herbicide.

• Crabgrass: Grows rapidly in heat and spreads through prolific seed production. Mow regularly and use a pre-emergent herbicide in late winter.

• Crowsfoot Grass: Thrives in compacted soil where turf struggles. Aerate and apply a pre-emergent control before spring.

• Mullumbimby Couch & Nut Grass: Spread through underground rhizomes. Dig out roots completely or apply a selective herbicide.

• Dandelion & Oxalis: Broadleaf weeds that multiply fast. Spot-treat with a broadleaf herbicide and maintain a dense lawn canopy.

• Paspalum & Summer Grass: Fast-spreading warm-season weeds. Mow regularly, remove seed heads, and apply a pre-emergent herbicide.

• Winter Grass & White Clover: Common in cooler months. Fertilise in early spring and aerate compacted areas.

• African Black Beetle & Curl Grubs: Feed on roots causing spongy patches. Apply a residual insecticide in early spring before egg hatch.

• Armyworms & Cutworms: Chew through turf at night. Inspect lawn edges at dusk and treat with a lawn-safe insecticide.

• Mole Crickets: Tunnel through soil disturbing roots. Apply a soil-active insecticide when activity is noticed.

• Two-Spotted Mites: Active in hot, dry weather. Use overhead watering to increase humidity and apply a mite-targeted spray.

• Sod Webworms & Couch Mites: Feed on leaf blades causing stunted growth. Treat with a broad-spectrum insecticide and mow regularly.

• Grasshoppers & Ants: Ants create mounds; grasshoppers chew foliage. Flatten mounds, water affected areas, and spot-treat with an insecticidal spray.

• Brown Patch: Circular brown patches appearing after warm, humid nights. Water early in the morning and use a fungicide if needed.

• Dollar Spot: Small round spots that merge into straw-coloured patches. Improve soil nutrition and apply a fungicide if severe.

• Black Spot & Leaf Smut: Cause dark lesions or mould-like growth. Boost lawn health through aeration and fertilising.

• Anthracnose: Shows yellow to tan leaf discolouration under stress. Maintain nitrogen levels, mow high, and improve drainage.

• Fairy Rings (Mushrooms): Circular fungal growths in damp lawns. Remove decaying organic matter, aerate, and mow consistently.

When using herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask.
• Follow all label directions carefully.
• Avoid spraying on windy days.
• Keep pets and children off treated areas until dry.

At Southern Turf, we believe prevention is always better than cure. By keeping your soil healthy, watering deeply, and mowing correctly, you’ll naturally reduce weeds, pests, and disease.