A lawn’s worst enemy
This low-growing menace sprouts tiny, fern-like leaves and in spring, produces small, spiky seed pods that can turn a barefoot walk into a painful ordeal. Not only is it a nuisance to bare feet and paws, but it also competes with your grass for nutrients and water, leaving your lawn looking patchy and unloved.
Timing is everything
Bindii grows in the winter and goes to seed in early spring. The best time to target it is in winter (from mid-June onwards) before it produces the seed pod and spreads throughout your lawn. Immature plants are easier to kill, but delay spraying until a full emergence has appeared. Don’t wait too long though, as flowering begins in spring and once the seed spines have formed, the lawn will be prickly and uncomfortable for the rest of the season.
A battle plan!
Prevention:
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The first step in the war against bindii is maintaining a healthy lawn. A thick, well-nourished lawn can outcompete weeds, making it harder for bindii to take root.
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If your lawn has compact soil and the soil is not properly aerated, then you’re at higher risk of bindii growth.
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Acidic soils are also more prone to bindii growth, so keeping the PH corrected will help in preventing this weed from attacking.
Hand weeding:
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For small infestations, good old-fashioned hand weeding can be effective. Make sure to pull out the whole plant, roots and all, to prevent regrowth. This method is best done when the soil is moist, making it easier to get rid of the whole dastardly weed.
Herbicides:
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For larger infestations, a selective broadleaf herbicide can be your best friend. Look for products containing active ingredients like dicamba or MCPA, which target broadleaf weeds without harming your grass. Apply the herbicide in late winter to early spring, following the instructions carefully.
Mowing:
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Raising your lawn mower height is particularly important in winter as it will help you to avoid scalping your grass. Scalping makes your lawn more susceptible to weed invasion.
Regular lawn maintenance:
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Post-attack, keep up with regular lawn care to prevent bindii from returning. Aerate your lawn to improve soil health, overseed bare patches, and maintain a consistent watering and fertilising schedule.
Also:
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Keep an eye on your lawn throughout the year, especially in the cooler months when bindii starts to sprout. A little vigilance goes a long way in maintaining a bindii-free zone.
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If you have pets, check their paws regularly. Bindii can latch onto fur, causing discomfort for your furry friends and spreading seeds around.
