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Keeping weeds at bay in new lawn

Andrewlees1980Andrewlees1980 Posts: 12
in Problem solving
Hi, I've just removed all the turf from our front lawn in preparation for seeding a new lawn next spring.  I just wanted to know what the best treatment would be for soil (e.g. specific weed killer) to prevent any growth of weeds or grass during the autumn / winter period.  I don't want to have to clear it again next March.  We also have a magnolia tree in the lawn whose roots run under the lawn so I don't want to use anything that would potentially harm the roots of the tree.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    You don't say how big an area but weed killer is used on actively growing weeds which they won't be this time of year.
    You will have to wait until spring but the best way is to lightly hoe the weeds as they appear and any perennial weeds like dandelion dig out the whole root. 
  • Andrewlees1980Andrewlees1980 Posts: 12
    Hi, it’s approx 70m2. 
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Can you post a photo tomorrow please as giving advice blind is difficult.
  • Andrewlees1980Andrewlees1980 Posts: 12
    Hi, yes no problem.  I'm just wondering if there is anything I can put down to discourage further weed growth over the autumn and also kill of anything left behind after lifting the turf. The remaining turf has been cut and will be taken up next week leaving only the trees.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It would have been easier just to wait until spring.  :)
    As @K67 says, you need active weed growth for any weedkiller to work. You'll have to just hoe any emerging weeds through autumn/winter, and hope every cat in the neighbourhood doesn't use it as a litter tray,  or alternatively, cover the whole area with something [landscape fabric/cardboard etc]  add mulch - bark or similar, and wait until spring when it will be favourable for prepping and re turfing or sowing seed.  :)
    If any pernicious weeds like dandelions appear, you can spot kill those if you can't dig them out. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 970
    Why are you waiting until Spring? Autumn is a good time for seeding a new lawn as well
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
  • Andrewlees1980Andrewlees1980 Posts: 12
    Hi @Fairygirl , thanks for the advice.  I think I will just do as you suggested and wait until the spring - I will deal with he cats as and when...
  • Andrewlees1980Andrewlees1980 Posts: 12
    Hi @Butterfly66, I live in Midlands and the nights are very cold now so I was told it would be better to wait until the spring as there is chance the seeds wouldn't germinate and they'd just be left on the lawn for bird food.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    No chance of seed germinating here either @Andrewlees1980. Rot or freeze   ;)
    You could turf if you have the budget, and can get it prepped. I couldn't even risk that here, too many frosts already.
    On the plus side - we can sow seed in summer no problem. No ned to water. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 970
    Really? I suppose it depends exactly whereabouts your are, maybe up in the Staffordshire hills maybe it is too cold. I think i would still seed it now, given that you’ve cleared it, if it’s mild enough for weeds to grow then so will your grass seed. Spring has its own risks re weather and you will need to water it much more to ensure it establishes well. The birds will be a problem whatever time you seed a lawn.
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
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