Bow and arrow weed killer is a lawn herbicide sold under that brand name, and you should use it only on the weeds and lawn types listed on the pack label. The most common mistake is spraying a lawn variety the label doesn’t cover, which can scorch the turf as well as the weeds.
This guide explains how bow & arrow herbicide fits into lawn weed control in Sydney, when to apply it, how to do it safely, and when to hand the job to a professional. It sits under our common lawn weeds guide.
Key points
- Spring and early autumn, when weeds are actively growing and the lawn is not stressed, are usually the best times to treat Sydney lawns (check the label for timing).
- You need a registered product, a clean sprayer, the personal protective equipment listed on the label, and calm, dry weather.
- Always read the label first for registered weeds, lawn types, pets, re-entry times and rain-free periods, and never mix products.
- A Sydney gardener typically charges about $57 to $105 per hour for weed removal (October 2026).
When to use bow and arrow weed killer in Sydney
Timing matters as much as the product. Most selective lawn herbicides work best when weeds are young and growing, and a stressed lawn can be damaged by spray.
| Season | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Treat broadleaf weeds as they actively grow, if the label allows | Weeds take up the product best when they are growing quickly. |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Avoid spraying in extreme heat or drought | Stressed lawns can be damaged, and spray evaporates or drifts. |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Treat winter weeds early, before they seed | Young bindii and winter weeds are easier to control. |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Hand weed, or spot treat only if the label says it is suitable | Slow growth means poor results from many sprays. |
What you need
| Item | What it’s for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Product label | Lists registered weeds, lawn types, safety and re-entry times | Photograph it before you start so you can check it on site. |
| Dedicated sprayer | Applies the product evenly | Keep one sprayer only for herbicide to avoid cross-contamination. |
| PPE | Gloves, long sleeves, eye protection and closed shoes as the label directs | Wash your clothes separately afterwards. |
| Measuring jug | Measures the product exactly as the label says | Never eyeball amounts or add extra for stubborn weeds. |
| Hand fork or weeder | Removes weeds you can pull safely | Useful near garden beds and edges where spray might drift. |
| Weather check | Calm, dry conditions | Skip spraying in wind or if rain is forecast. |
Bow and arrow weed killer: step by step
- Identify the weed first, using a guide or photo, and confirm it appears on the label before you buy or use the product.
- Check your lawn type against the label, because selective products can harm some turf varieties more than others.
- Mow the lawn a few days beforehand, not on the day, so weeds have enough leaf area to take up the product.
- Put on the PPE listed on the label, and move pets, toys and outdoor furniture away from the treatment area.
- Measure the product exactly as the label directs, never add extra, and never mix it with another product.
- Spray in calm, dry conditions with a coarse droplet setting, keeping the nozzle low to reduce drift onto garden beds and neighbouring plants.
- Keep children and pets off the area until the label says it is safe to re-enter, and wait the stated time before mowing.
- Rinse the sprayer away from drains and waterways, and store the leftover product as the label directs.
- Recheck after the time given on the label and repeat only if the label allows another application.
Weed killer on buffalo, couch and kikuyu lawns
Different grasses tolerate different chemicals. Buffalo lawns are often the most sensitive, so check the label carefully.
- Look for your grass type by name on the label, such as buffalo, couch, kikuyu or zoysia, and do not assume that a product safe for one is safe for all.
- Test a small, out-of-sight patch first if the label allows, and watch for yellowing or leaf burn before treating the whole lawn.
- Avoid spraying newly laid turf, as young lawns have shallow roots and the label usually states a minimum establishment period.
- Treat the weeds, not the lawn, by spot spraying scattered patches instead of broadcasting over the entire yard.
- Keep the mower height steady, as a healthy, dense lawn shades out many weeds and reduces how often you need a herbicide.
Weed control in shade and sun
Lawn under trees and in full sun behaves differently, so adjust your approach rather than spraying more.
- Expect weak, thin turf under jacarandas and fig trees in the Inner West, where weeds fill the gaps faster than grass.
- Spray shaded areas only in good growing conditions, because slow-growing weeds in cool shade respond poorly to treatment.
- Protect tree roots and nearby shrubs by keeping spray off foliage and out of garden beds.
- Improve sunlight by pruning low branches where possible, and overseed or relay bare patches once the weeds are controlled.
- In full sun, spray in the morning before the day heats up, and avoid treating during heatwaves.
New turf versus established lawn
Young turf is much more sensitive than a mature lawn, and labels often set a waiting period before the first application.
- Check the label for the minimum time after laying turf before you apply any herbicide.
- Hand pull weeds in new turf for the first few weeks, keeping foot traffic to a minimum.
- Do not scalp or heavily fertilise before treating, as the label may require a healthy, actively growing lawn.
- Established lawns in clay soil may take longer to recover from damage, so avoid repeated sprays and follow the label interval.
- Book a lawn aeration or topdressing job later in the season if compaction is encouraging weeds.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the label and spraying a lawn variety or weed that isn’t listed.
- Adding extra product for stubborn weeds, which can scorch the lawn and does not make the product work better.
- Spraying in wind or before rain, which sends the product onto neighbouring gardens or into stormwater drains.
- Mixing the product with fertiliser or other chemicals unless the label says it is allowed.
- Letting pets and children back on the lawn too early, before the label’s re-entry time has passed.
- Using the same sprayer for herbicide and fertiliser, which can damage plants later.
When to call a gardener or licensed specialist
- Hire a professional if the weed isn’t on your product label or you can’t identify it with confidence.
- In NSW, anyone spraying weeds for fee or reward needs an EPA ground applicator licence, although routine garden and lawn maintenance has an exemption.
- Get help for large or steep lawns, where safe spraying and keeping run-off out of drains is difficult.
- Call a licensed arborist and check council rules before removing trees or large shrubs overtaking a weedy bed.
- Book a licensed pest controller if lawn grubs or insects, not weeds, are killing the grass.
- Choose hand weeding and mulching if you have pets, children or a vegetable patch nearby, and want to avoid chemicals altogether.
Weed control cost in Sydney
Prices below include GST and are Sydney metro rates for October 2026. See our natural weed control guide for non-chemical options.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weed removal (per hour) | $57 | $75 | $105 |
| Gardener hourly rate | $52 | $75 | $115 |
| Lawn mow, medium lawn (100–250 m²) | $65 | $100 | $150 |
| Edging and trimming add-on | $20 | $25 | $50 |
| Lawn aeration (up to about 150 m²) | $92 | $170 | $290 |
| Garden clean-up (half day) | $170 | $290 | $460 |
FAQ: bow and arrow weed killer
What is bow n arrow weed killer used for?
It is sold as a lawn weed killer, but the exact weeds and lawn types it covers are listed on the pack. Read the label first. If your weed or grass isn’t listed, don’t use it, and ask a garden centre or gardener for a suitable alternative.
Is bow and arrow herbicide safe for pets?
Keep pets and children off the treated area until the label says it is safe. Wearing the right protective gear and avoiding spray drift also reduces risk. If a pet may have licked or eaten treated grass, contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline immediately.
Will it harm buffalo or other lawns?
Some herbicides harm certain lawns, especially sensitive buffalo varieties. Check that your grass type is listed on the label. If it isn’t, don’t use the product, and test a small patch only if the label allows it.
Can I mix it with fertiliser or other weed killers?
No, not unless the label clearly says you can. Mixing products can damage the lawn and breach label directions. Apply each product separately, follow the label, and speak to a licensed professional if you’re unsure what to use.
Getting weeds sorted in Sydney
If weeds are taking over your lawn, we can identify them, hand weed or spot treat, and keep the mowing and edging up to date. Book lawn care in Sydney, or read more about weed and feed, Spartan herbicide, bindii weed killer, onion weed and pennywort.
