Smarter Herbicide Use: Effective Weed Control in Turf & Pasture
Weeds are one of the biggest threats to turf and pasture quality. They reduce productivity, limit nutrient uptake, create uneven surfaces, and can outcompete desirable grasses if not controlled quickly. Different weeds respond to different control methods, which is why a tailored herbicide strategy is essential.
Understanding weed pressure
Weeds emerge for predictable reasons: open soil, moisture fluctuations, compaction, and seasonal gaps in turf growth. When turf or pasture thins out — due to drought, heat stress, grazing pressure or disease — weeds are quick to fill the space.
Common problem categories include:
Broadleaf weeds:
Bindii, clover, capeweed, cudweed, dandelion, plantain, oxalis.
Sedges and nutgrass:
Highly persistent and resistant to most standard turf herbicides.
Wintergrass (Poa annua):
A key problem in warm-season turf and sports surfaces.
Summer annual weeds:
Pigweed, amaranth, and various melons in pasture systems.
Choosing the right herbicide for the job
Herbicides in turf and pasture fall into several types:
Selective Broadleaf Herbicides
Used for bindii, capeweed, clover and similar weeds, without damaging the turf.
Sedge/ Nutgrass Herbicides
Specialised chemistry is needed due to the underground tubers that allow nutgrass to regrow.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Used to prevent wintergrass and other annual weeds before they germinate. Essential for sports turf and bowling greens.
Pasture Herbicides
Used to reduce broadleaf competition and help grasses dominate. Timing is crucial for grazing systems.
Best practice for effective weed control
- Treat weeds when they are young and actively growing.
- Avoid spraying in extreme heat or drought.
- Ensure good soil moisture before and after herbicide use.
- Follow label recommendations for mixing and timing.
- Rotate herbicide groups to minimise resistance.
- Use the correct water rates and spray quality for optimum coverage.
The PCT solution for turf and pasture weeds
The Surefire range offers dependable control across broadleaf weeds, sedges, wintergrass and pasture weeds. These products are made for Australian conditions and deliver consistent performance across turf types — from sports ovals to grazing country.
When herbicides are combined with strong cultural practices (fertilising, aeration, mowing height management), the result is healthier, thicker and more resilient turf and pasture over the long term.