A common weed in lawns and gardens across Australia, Summer Grass is a fast growing weed that blights not only domestic gardens, but also invades national parks and bushlands.
Summer grass plants have hairy leaves which helps differentiate them from desirable grass species. Summer grass leaves are distinctly hairy, and usually do not grow very long and under some conditions they have a reddish tinge. A prolific seeder, Summer Grass is difficult to spot at first until the weed matures and he thin grey-green leaves of the species begin to shoot out in various directions and blight lawns.
Summer Grass begins to germinate in mid spring and can quickly take over and kill lawned areas if left unchecked and untreated. It is essential that you choose a herbicide that will target Summer Grass but not affect the other plants in the area, your local nursery will be able to offer expert advice on the best product to use to avoid damaging the rest of your lawn.
The only other chemical option is to apply pendimethalin (Stomp 330E) to turf before the Summer Grass is due to emerge. This is a residual herbicide that kills weeds as they germinate however, its safety once again depends on the turf grasses present. It is reasonably safe in kikuyu, couch and buffalo grass, and for these lawns an application once every 10 weeks from early September to the end of February is recommended. This particular herbicide usually doesn’t remain active for longer than 10 weeks, therefore reapplication is suggested. pendimethalin needs to be irrigated into the soil as soon as possible after application. For ryegrass and bentgrass lawns, there is much less selectivity with this product, so only one application per season is recommended.
For small outbreaks of Summer Grass, using a spot sprayer is a fast and effective way of killing the plant and preventing further spread. Where several plants are present or you have a large area of lawn to cover, lawn spray trailers are an excellent solution to eradicating Summer Grass quickly and easily. Complete with a pump, tank and mounted upon a small trailer, these clever units can be hitched to a ride on lawn mower to provide a faster alternative to spot spraying.
After the initial treatment, it is a good idea to keep a watchful eye on further outbreaks as Summer Grass can reappear over time. Reapply your chosen herbicide using a spot sprayer or lawn trailer if necessary to keep lawns looking healthy and lush all year round.
Find out more about suitable equipment for tackling Summer Grass in lawn by calling 1800 011 000 to speak to a friendly member of the Rapid Spray team.
How Summer Grass and Weeds Increase Bushfire Risk
During the hotter months, uncontrolled Summer Grass and invasive weeds don’t just affect lawn quality — they can significantly increase fuel load across properties, paddocks, roadsides, and rural blocks. As Summer Grass dries out, it becomes highly flammable, allowing fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly across open ground.
In regional and rural Australia, unmanaged grass and weeds are a major contributor to fast-moving grass fires, particularly when combined with high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Keeping vegetation under control is a critical step in reducing bushfire risk around homes, sheds, fence lines and access tracks.
Proactive Weed Control Reduces Fire Hazards
Managing Summer Grass early helps minimise the amount of dry fuel present during peak fire season. Regular spraying, slashing, and spot treatment of weeds can slow fire spread and improve overall property safety.
Using the right spraying equipment ensures:
- More consistent chemical coverage
- Faster treatment of large or uneven areas
- Reduced regrowth through proper application rates
This is especially important for acreage owners, councils, contractors, and rural property managers responsible for maintaining firebreaks and vegetation zones.
Using Spray Equipment to Manage Summer Grass Effectively
Targeted spraying is one of the most efficient ways to control Summer Grass before it dries off. Rapid Spray offers a range of equipment suited to both small-scale and large-area weed control.
Spot Spraying for Early Intervention
For small outbreaks or lawn edges, spot spraying allows Summer Grass to be treated early without impacting surrounding turf. This method is ideal for residential properties, gardens, and boundary lines.
Spray Trailers for Larger Areas
For paddocks, road verges, acreage, and rural blocks, spray trailers provide efficient coverage and reduce manual labour. They’re ideal for managing weeds that contribute to fire fuel loads during summer.
Fire Preparation Starts With Vegetation Management
Bushfire preparation isn’t just about water tanks and pumps — it starts with reducing combustible material. Controlling Summer Grass and other invasive weeds around structures, fence lines, and access tracks improves defensible space and helps slow fire behaviour if a fire does occur.
Combining effective weed control with reliable fire-fighting equipment gives property owners a stronger, more complete approach to summer fire preparedness.
Integrated Weed and Fire Management Solutions
By managing Summer Grass early and maintaining vegetation throughout the warmer months, you reduce both weed pressure and bushfire risk. With the right spray equipment, weed control becomes faster, safer and more effective — helping protect lawns, land, and livelihoods during Australia’s most demanding season.