How to Get Rid of Fumitory in Australian Lawns

Fumitory is typified by its soft leaves and hybrid growing behaviour that’s part upright, and part sprawling giving it exceptional ground cover. Typically emerging in Autumn and persisting into Spring, this invasive plant is characterised by its unique leaves and can also bloom with pink to purple tubular flowers.

Fumitory is widespread across temperate regions of Australia, commonly appearing in southern states like Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and parts of New South Wales. However, it is adaptable and can also emerge in milder pockets of Queensland and Western Australia, particularly after rain.

It’s known to invade all major warm-season turf varieties including Buffalo, Couch, Bermuda, Kikuyu and Zoysia, although it may be slightly less aggressive in dense-growing Buffalo lawns due to the grass’s thick leaf mat.

Fumitory tends to grow low and wide, tangling itself through turf grass and nearby garden beds. As an opportunistic weed, Fumitory thrives in weakened or thin patches of lawn, especially in areas with poor drainage or where turf coverage is sparse.

Fumitory spreads via seed, which can remain viable in soil for years and is easily distributed by mowing, animals, or foot traffic. Pressure from Fumitory may be increased in Spring and Summer, where dormant seeds can be agitated during Spring lawn renovations (core aerating, scarifying and similar). 

Manual Removal

For smaller infestations, manual removal can be effective. Fumitory has a shallow root system that can be gently pulled out by hand, ideally after rainfall when the soil is soft. However, care must be taken to remove the entire root system before it sets seed.

Using Herbicides

For a more proactive approach, selective herbicides can be used. Commonly available herbicides containing active ingredients such as MCPA and Dicamba are effective at targeting Fumitory.

Contra M Duo is registered for the eradication of Fumitory in turf varieties, excluding Buffalo. To ensure efficacy on the first application of any herbicide, it’s recommended to apply in conjunction with a surfactant like Wetter 600 for improved adhesion to the leaf.

When using chemical treatments, always follow manufacturer instructions when it comes to necessary protective equipment and safe re-entry times for humans and animals. Apply on a dry day with minimal wind to prevent drift onto desirable grasses.

Natural Remedies

Natural control methods, such as improving lawn density through regular mowing, fertilising, and overseeding, can help crowd out Fumitory and reduce its ability to establish. However, natural herbicides are likely to show any efficacy against Fumitory.

To prevent Fumitory from returning, applying a high-quality pre-emergent herbicide is a proactive solution. Pre-emergents work by creating a barrier in the soil that inhibits seed germination, effectively stopping weeds before they establish.

A good pre-emergent herbicide, such as those containing Prodiamine (such as Spartan in liquid form, or Onset GR in granular form) or Oxadiazon (like Echelon Duo or Oxafert), offers up to six months of protection against a broad range of invasive weeds.

This long-term approach not only reduces the need for repeated manual or chemical interventions but also contributes to a healthier, more resilient lawn with less pressure from invasive weeds.

Whether you’re looking for a quality pre-emergent to minimise the risk of Fumitory invading your much-loved lawn, or you need a post-emergent herbicide to control a Fumitory outbreak, you’ll find all the supplements and chemicals you need to keep your grass in top shape at the myhomeTURF Online Shop; home to hundreds of market-leading products that ship Australia-wide.