How to remove weed in Buffalo lawn?

[simonsez85]

Hi Bunnings,

I recently bought David Grays Crabgrass herbicide from your Craigieburn store to remove what appears to be crabgrass weed in our Buffalo grass due to the dark green leaf colour in one section of our lawn. The product doesn't seem to have done anything but it has only been 5 days. I followed the instructions on the bottle (one capful for Buffalo).

I'm thinking this weed may not be crabgrass. Any suggestions what weed it could be?

And what weed killer would be best suited to remove this weed from Sir Walter Buffalo grass (also purchased from Bunnings) several years ago.

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @simonsez85. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Buffalo lawn.

I'm not particularly convinced that this is anything other than new spring growth on your Buffalo lawn. Nothing from your images suggests a different type of grass or weed. Crab grass has a very distinctive circular growth pattern from a central point. I don't think that is seen here.

I'm fairly certain you are just seeing new growth in some sections, and I'd recommend you apply a slow-release fertiliser over the whole area to help the others along. Once it all fills in with new growth you'll have a lovely lush green lawn.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[simonsez85]

Thank you. Appreciate your response. I had another look and I'm convinced it's not regrowth from Buffalo. Buffalo has stolens growing along the ground. This weed is a much darker green colour and grows upright.

Come to think of it it's more like paspalum rather than crabgrass.

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @simonsez85,

Your second photo certainly looks like paspalum and you are able to see your lawn from different angles, so I trust your perception.

The problem that this brings up is that paspalum, especially in buffalo lawns, can be quite tricky to deal with. 
 

Removing by hand is often the best course of action. This Cyclone Extract Weeder would certainly make your life much easier.

You can spot spray herbicides such as David Grays Crab Grass and Clover Killer Selective Herbicide, however, some damage to the surrounding buffalo grass should be expected.

Using this Yates Zero Weeding Herbicide Applicator Brush can certainly help to reduce the effects on the surrounding grass, however slight damage should still be expected.

If you choose to go the herbicide route, you should focus on recovery. Check out How To Care For Your Lawn In Spring for some tips.

Let me know if you've got any other questions.

Jacob

[simonsez85]

Thank you and team. Much appreciated. I'll probably purchase the weed extractor as it seems the most practical for the amount of weeds I can see