Bow & Arrow Herbicide for Broad Leaf Weeds

Bow & Arrow Herbicide is a powerful broadleaf weed control solution that greens up lawns across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. As a selective herbicide designed to target broadleaf weeds, Bow & Arrow works on a range of common lawn weeds while leaving your turf grasses unharmed. At Roberts Turf Supplies, we recommend Bow & Arrow Herbicide for effective turf weed management and healthy lawns. In this guide, we’ll explain what Bow & Arrow is, how it works, and why it’s ideal for local Queensland turf care.

What Is Bow & Arrow Herbicide?

Bow & Arrow Herbicide is a professional lawn weed treatment formulated specifically for broadleaf weed control. This turf-safe herbicide is made by Turf Culture and is widely used by lawn care professionals. It is specially formulated to be effective on many troublesome weeds without damaging popular grass varieties. Bow & Arrow comes in concentrated liquid form and is mixed with water for spray application. It represents the latest in selective herbicide technology for lawns.

Bow & Arrow Herbicide is known for its “3-way” formulation, meaning it contains three active ingredients for broad activity. The concentrated liquid is easy to measure and mix. Our team at Roberts Turf Supplies has used Bow & Arrow on new turf installations as well as established lawns, and we’ve found it highly reliable.

Active Ingredients and Formulation

Bow & Arrow Herbicide contains a combination of three active ingredients that make it a robust selective herbicide. The formulation includes:

Clopyralid (20 g/L, as potassium salt): a systemic herbicide that mimics a plant hormone to disrupt broadleaf weeds like clover and thistles.
Diflufenican (15 g/L): a residual herbicide (Group 12) that prevents new weed germination and prolongs control by inhibiting pigment formation in weed seedlings.
MCPA (300 g/L, as potassium salt): a classic auxin-type herbicide effective against many common broadleaf lawn weeds.

These three active ingredients give Bow & Arrow a broad spectrum of activity. The “3-way” mix provides both fast action (through the auxins Clopyralid and MCPA) and long-lasting control (through Diflufenican). This professional-grade blend helps prevent herbicide resistance in weeds and provides extended control across the growing season. Because it uses salt forms of the ingredients, Bow & Arrow mixes readily in water for even spraying.

Target Weed Species

Bow & Arrow Herbicide is aimed at broadleaf plants – weeds with wide leaves (broadleaves) rather than grasses or sedges. It treats many common lawn weeds that homeowners and turf professionals often face. Target weed species include:

White Clover (Trifolium repens): a low-growing plant with round, trifoliate leaves and white flowers.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata): has broad, lance-shaped leaves forming a low rosette.
Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula): a sprawling weed with bright yellow daisy flowers that spreads on thin, hairy stems.
Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata): resembles a small dandelion with yellow flowers and fuzzy oval leaves.
Bindii / Onehunga (Soliva sessilis): a prostrate weed producing sharp, spiky seed pods that stick into bare feet.
Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.): low, woolly-leaved weeds that form mats on the soil.
Creeping Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata): a yellow-flowered oxalis that creeps and sends up many trifoliate leaves.

These are just a sample of the broadleaf weeds Bow & Arrow can control. Bow & Arrow effectively kills established weeds by systemic action: it is absorbed through weed leaves and travels down into the roots. You may see weeds wilt over 2–6 weeks after spraying, which is normal. Smaller weeds will die faster; tougher or larger weeds may need a repeat spray 4–6 weeks later.

Selectivity and Safety Profile

Bow & Arrow is a selective herbicide, meaning it specifically targets broadleaf (dicot) plants while being safe for most turf grasses. Its key turf-safe features are:

Grasses safety: Bow & Arrow is labeled as safe on warm-season turf varieties commonly used on the Coast, including Buffalo grass, Couch, Kikuyu, and Zoysia. When used at recommended rates, these turf grasses show minimal damage – perhaps a brief lightening of color – and recover quickly.
Low odour: The formula has very low smell. You won’t have a lingering chemical odor in your yard or cause discomfort to neighbors after application.
Animal and plant safety: Once dry, treated turf is safe for pets and children to play on. For 14 days after treatment, though, avoid grazing animals on the lawn or feeding clippings to poultry. As always, follow label directions for safety gear (gloves and eye protection when mixing/spraying) and wash hands after use.

Because Bow & Arrow is selective, it should not be used to clear vegetation beds or unwanted grass. It will not harm lawn turf but will remove broadleaf weeds. Always avoid drift: shield ornamental plants and vegetables from spray. If applied correctly, Bow & Arrow leaves only weeds discolored, while your lawn stays largely green. Just keep in mind that certain sensitive Buffalo varieties may show more noticeable fading; on those, we advise spot testing first.

How Bow & Arrow Works

Bow & Arrow Herbicide works by interfering with key growth processes in weed plants after it is absorbed. It is a post-emergent herbicide, meaning you spray it on weeds that are already growing. Here’s how it does its job:

Mode of Action Explained

Bow & Arrow has a “three-way” mode of action thanks to its three active ingredients. When weeds absorb the spray, each ingredient attacks a different plant function:

Clopyralid and MCPA (auxin herbicides) – These mimic a natural plant hormone (auxin). When weeds take them in, they cause uncontrolled, distorted growth. The cells of the weed divide erratically and cannot transport nutrients properly. You’ll see shoots thicken, twist, and turn yellow as the auxin overdoses disrupt normal growth. Over time, the weed exhausts itself and dies from growth abnormalities.
Diflufenican – This ingredient inhibits carotenoid pigment formation, causing affected leaves to slowly turn yellow from the tips. It acts more slowly (so full control can take weeks) but it also provides residual control in the soil by inhibiting seedling development. Diflufenican’s slow action means weeds may first yellow and then collapse over time, adding durability to the kill.

The combination means Bow & Arrow kills weeds in stages: the auxin herbicides cause rapid distortion and dieback of foliage, while diflufenican adds a longer-lasting effect and helps prevent regrowth from seeds. In practice, this “multi-mode” action makes Bow & Arrow more reliable than single-active products, especially on stubborn lawn weeds.

How It Targets Broadleaf Weeds

Because Bow & Arrow is designed for broadleaf weeds, it moves through the weed’s transport systems that are primarily found in dicots (broadleaf plants). Grasses (monocots) do not transport the product the same way, so they largely ignore it. After spraying, broadleaf weeds absorb Bow & Arrow through their leaves. The systemic nature means the herbicide travels from the leaf into the stem and down to the roots. This ensures an entire kill – not just leaf burn.

In the field, you’ll notice Bow & Arrow cause weed leaves to darken or spot within a week or two. Weeds gradually wilt and collapse instead of instant burning. This “slow-kill” means roots die too, which prevents many weeds from bouncing back. However, because it is slower, patience is important: most weeds take 4–6 weeks to fully die off. Smaller weeds may die in 2–3 weeks; large perennial broadleaves may require a follow-up spray or a bit more time. Importantly, once a weed is killed, it usually does not recover, so turf comes out stronger with less regrowth.

Impact on Turf Health

When applied properly, Bow & Arrow has minimal negative impact on your turf and can actually improve overall lawn health:

Minimal turf injury: Bow & Arrow will not scorch grass the way a non-selective spray would. Your grass may momentarily lighten in color, but this is usually temporary. Treated weeds gradually turn brown, while the surrounding turf generally stays intact.
Quick recovery: After Bow & Arrow treatment, you may see a slight bleach or tan on grass blades for a short time (especially on Kikuyu, Queensland Blue Couch, or shady Buffalo spots). This effect typically disappears within a few days. Applying a liquid iron can help green the grass back up sooner if needed.
Thick growth after weeds are removed: By killing broadleaf weeds, Bow & Arrow reduces competition for resources. Your grass gains the upper hand and fills in bare spots. A thick, mown lawn will start shading out future weed seeds.
Healthy turf environment: With fewer weeds, you can get back to regular lawn care (mowing, fertilizing, watering) without fear of hiding pests or diseases among the weeds.

To maximize turf health: make sure the lawn is watered and fertilized well in the weeks before spraying. Actively growing, strong grass can tolerate selective herbicide use better. After application, you can water normally (just don’t flood within 24 hours). It’s usually best to avoid mowing right away so the spray stays on the weeds – mow 3–4 days before and after treatment, as a general rule. By cutting at the right times, you give Bow & Arrow the best chance to work while keeping your turf lush and healthy.

Benefits of Using Bow & Arrow Herbicide

Bow & Arrow Herbicide offers many advantages for Sunshine Coast and Gympie homeowners, turf contractors, and councils needing broadleaf weed control. Here are the top benefits:

Broad Weed Spectrum Control

Bow & Arrow attacks a wide variety of broadleaf lawn weeds with one product. Instead of buying several narrow-spectrum herbicides, you can use Bow & Arrow to tackle most troublemakers at once. It controls weeds such as:

Clovers and clover-like weeds
Dandelions and catsear (small yellow daisies)
Oxalis and Wood Sorrel
Plantains and capeweed
Bindii and other burr-type weeds
Thistles, buttercups, and cudweed

Because of its multi-ingredient formula, Bow & Arrow provides both immediate and residual action. You get an initial knockdown of existing weeds, plus some season-long suppression of new seedlings. This broad control means fewer products on your shelf and simpler lawn care. You can blanket-spray trouble spots or entire lawns knowing Bow & Arrow covers clover and plantain simultaneously, for example, in a single application.

Safe for Popular Turf Varieties

A standout feature of Bow & Arrow is its safety on many common grass types. It’s a turf-safe herbicide when used as directed, so you can confidently apply it on:

Buffalo grass (e.g. Sapphire Buffalo) – widely used at homes and parks. Resistant to heat, and with Bow & Arrow it stays lush while weeds perish.
Couch grass and hybrid Couch (e.g. Wintergreen, OzTuff, common seeded Couch) – the dense couch will recover quickly after weeds are removed.
Kikuyu grass – a vigorous warm-season grass popular in the region; Bow & Arrow cleans it up without thinning the runners.
Zoysia grass (e.g. Nara or Augusta Zoysia) – the fine-leafed Zoysia will experience only very slight bleaching and will bounce back as it continues to grow.

These grasses dominate Sunshine Coast and Gympie lawns. By choosing Bow & Arrow, you remove clover, oxalis and other broadleaves while leaving these grasses intact. In fact, our customers often report that their lawns thicken up after treatment, since the grass no longer has to fight weeds.

Cost-Effective Lawn Management

Bow & Arrow’s concentration makes it a great value. A little product goes a long way, so you save money over time:

High coverage: The label rate (50 mL per 100 m²) means a 250 mL bottle treats up to 500 m² – that’s a lot of lawn with one bottle. Larger 500 mL or 1 L bottles cover even more.
Less frequent use: With proper timing, one application can keep lawns weed-free for months. This reduces the need for multiple sprays or additional products.
Professional results: Even though it’s cost-effective, it’s not a cheap “weak” weed killer. Bow & Arrow’s performance can save you money on lawn repairs or re-sodding, because a healthy weed-free lawn needs less restorative work.

In practice, getting rid of weeds early on prevents them from seeding and taking over. Over time, your lawn requires less labor and products. Think of it as an investment: a few dollars spent on Bow & Arrow now can mean less spending on turf repair later.

Fast and Visible Results

You don’t have to wait forever to see Bow & Arrow in action. Here’s what to expect:

Weed stress within weeks: Most weeds will show symptoms (yellowing, wilting) within 7–14 days of application. They often darken or spot before dying off.
Complete kill in 4–6 weeks: Although some products boast instant results, Bow & Arrow’s approach is thorough. Within a month or two, treated weeds fully die and dry out. This is especially helpful for tough perennial weeds (it gets the roots too).
Reduced regrowth: Because the roots are killed, you often won’t see the same weeds come back. (However, some resilient weeds like Bindii might need a second touch-up.)

This timeline is ideal for planning lawn maintenance. For example, you might spray in spring and see a thoroughly cleaned-up lawn by summer. Many users report seeing partial effects in just a couple of weeks and say the lawn looks noticeably tidier after a month. If any green leaf remains, simply spot-spray again. And remember: leaving the dead weeds as mulch on the lawn helps nutrients return to the soil.

Long-Lasting Residual Control

One of the strongest benefits of Bow & Arrow is its residual effect (thanks mainly to Diflufenican). This means:

Prevents new weeds: After spraying, the soil retains some herbicide activity, so germinating weed seedlings (like clovers or oxalis seeds) are often inhibited or killed before emerging.
Season-long impact: If you apply in spring, you’ll have ongoing suppression of broadleaf weeds throughout summer and into autumn. This is a big deal in Queensland, where new weeds sprout any time conditions are right.

With this longevity, you’re effectively reducing the weed seed bank in your lawn. Fewer weeds sprout means fewer future treatments are needed. (As a precaution, avoid sowing new turf seed or grass while the residual is active – usually 3 months for Diflufenican. But if you’re only overseeding or repairing, wait a few months after spraying first.) For most homeowners, one well-timed application per year is enough, making Bow & Arrow highly efficient for maintenance.

Low Odour and Easy Mixing

Bow & Arrow also wins on convenience:

Low odour formula: Unlike some herbicides that smell sharp or chemical, Bow & Arrow has very little smell. You can spray and enjoy the outdoors immediately after; no chemical haze in the air.
Easy to use: Simply shake the bottle, measure the amount, and dilute in the tank. The liquid mixes smoothly in water, with little sediment or clogging. Because it’s concentrated, only a small volume is needed.
User-friendly: There’s minimal waste since you only mix what you’ll use. The handy bottles have clear measurement markings.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a thick or pungent spray, you’ll appreciate how straightforward Bow & Arrow is. This makes it great for busy homeowners and professionals. It’s also easy to carry in a truck or cart, and the spray tank cleanup is simple – just rinse thoroughly and you’re done.

Where Can You Use Bow & Arrow Herbicide?

Bow & Arrow’s turf-safe formulation makes it versatile for many lawn and turf settings on the Sunshine Coast and Gympie:

Domestic Lawns

Homeowners love Bow & Arrow for their yards. It controls the weeds that commonly invade family lawns – clover, oxalis, bindii, etc. In home settings:

You can spray play areas without worrying about pets and kids (once the spray dries).
It revitalizes patchy lawns by taking out weeds and letting grass fill in.
It works on all scales – from small suburban lawns to large acreage.

Many residents use Bow & Arrow in spring or autumn on blanket-sprays or spot-sprays. It’s also a popular part of fall clean-up when lawn care routines wind down. Our customers in Gympie and the Coast often tell us their lawns have never looked greener after killing off the winter weeds.

Sports Fields and Golf Courses

Sports grounds and golf courses demand the best turf performance. Bow & Arrow fits right in:

Athletic fields (oval grounds, soccer/rugby fields): Safe on Couch and Kikuyu infields, it removes weeds that can interfere with play. Groundskeepers can apply it in pre-season or maintenance cycles.
Golf courses (fairways, roughs): Bow & Arrow keeps roughs and non-green areas free of unsightly broadleaves. It’s gentle on turf, so fairways maintain uniformity.
Safe around players: Low odour and quick dry time mean play can resume soon.

Local clubs and councils on the Sunshine Coast use Bow & Arrow to maintain tournament-quality turf. Its reliability helps ensure surfaces stay safe and consistent for athletes and golfers.

Parks and Recreational Areas

Municipal parks, gardens, and public spaces also benefit:

Playgrounds and picnic areas: Clear broadleaf weeds for a cleaner look and safer footing (no sharp burrs or spiky seeds).
General park lawns: City crews can spray large areas of Couch or Buffalo in parks, where grass is desired but weeds are not.
Multi-use fields: Community sports fields, school ovals, or dog parks can be treated to reduce clover and plantain.

Bow & Arrow’s safety profile is key here. It allows parks staff to maintain attractive green spaces without resorting to harsh chemicals. Plus, being long-lasting, fewer repeat treatments are needed compared to quick-acting herbicides.

Educational and Institutional Grounds

School and institutional lawns need care without disrupting activities:

School ovals and campuses: Spraying Bow & Arrow during off-hours (like weekends) removes weeds from playing fields and landscaped areas. By the new week, the product is dry and kids are back to class.
Colleges and hospitals: Large grounds with Couch or Buffalo benefit from selective weed control. Bow & Arrow lets maintenance crews clear clover patches and dock without damaging turf areas around footpaths or gardens.

In all these settings, the quick dry time and low odour are appreciated. Follow-ups can be done between seasons, making Bow & Arrow a dependable part of any institutional lawn care program.

Approved Turf Varieties

To use Bow & Arrow safely, you need to apply it only on the approved turf grasses listed on the label. Here are the main turf varieties common in our region that are approved:

Buffalo Grass

Most Buffalo grass lawns (such as Sapphire Buffalo, Sir Walter, Emerald) are listed as safe for Bow & Arrow. Buffalo’s broad leaf can tolerate Bow & Arrow without major damage. However, note: certain sensitive strains (e.g. ST85 Buffalo) may show more fade. We recommend:

Patch test: On any new Buffalo variety, treat a small area first and wait a few weeks.
Observe effects: Slight paling or slowed growth may appear, but these conditions usually reverse.
After treatment, Buffalo lawns should recover and remain thick. Many of our Sunshine Coast customers use Bow & Arrow regularly on Buffalo with great results.

Couch and Hybrid Couch

Bow & Arrow is approved for Couch grass, including both common seeded Couch and hybrid varieties. Couch lawns (common in sunny yards and sports fields) respond well:

Common Couch: Established Couch quickly covers bare spots after weeds are killed. Minimal transplant shock is noted.
Hybrid Couch (Wintergreen, OzTuff, Stadium, etc.): These high-performance Couch varieties handle Bow & Arrow splendidly. Wintergreen Couch, our most popular home lawn couch on the Sunshine Coast, stays lush as weeds disappear.

Only avoid using Bow & Arrow on bentgrass or bluegrass greens (which are cool-season grasses not suited to this product). For all approved Couch types, color loss is slight. If any blanching occurs, just let the grass grow and it will green back up in days. The benefit of Bow & Arrow on Couch is that it allows the turf to stay dense and healthy while removing weeds.

Kikuyu

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is very common in Queensland’s warm climate. The good news: Bow & Arrow is safe on Kikuyu when applied as directed:

Treated Kikuyu may look briefly yellowish, but it returns to full green quickly.
Use Bow & Arrow to target weeds like clover and plantain that invade kikuyu lawns.
After weed removal, Kikuyu’s aggressive growth habit will reclaim any leftover space, making the lawn stronger.

We often recommend Bow & Arrow for troublesome kikuyu weeds because other broadleaf herbicides can harm Kikuyu. With Bow & Arrow, you get gentle but effective control.

Zoysia

Zoysia grasses (such as the Nara and Augusta strains we grow) are also on the approved list. Zoysia has a fine texture and slow growth, so keeping it weed-free is important:

Minimal stress: Zoysia may show some bleaching in shaded areas after spraying, but sun exposure and fertiliser bring it back.
Lawn recovery: Since Zoysia is slower-growing, removing weeds allows it to spread out without competition.

By the way, after using Bow & Arrow on any turf, adding a trace element or iron fertiliser (like our Liquid Iron) can help restore any pale colour and promote strong grass recovery. The turf typically bounces back with plenty of nutrients and sunlight.

Application Guidelines

Proper application of Bow & Arrow ensures good control with no turf harm. Follow these guidelines:

Recommended Mixing Rates

General rate: 50 mL of Bow & Arrow per 5 litres of water, sprayed over 100 m² (using a handheld sprayer or knapsack). This is the common home-garden rate.
Large areas: 5 litres of Bow & Arrow in 200–500 litres water per hectare (for boom or larger sprayers).
Spot treatment: 25–50 mL in 2–5 L water per 100 m² (adjust volume for small patches).

Use clean, cold to lukewarm water. Shake the Bow & Arrow bottle well before measuring. Only mix as much spray as you will use that day—don’t store mixed spray. Always read the label for any locality-specific rates, but these are the typical recommended rates we use on the Coast. Too low a rate will leave weeds alive; too high could risk turf safety.

Application Equipment

Equipment choice depends on your lawn size:

Backpack/Knapsack sprayer: Ideal for home lawns and smaller areas. These sprayers give you good coverage with adjustable nozzle tips.
Handheld trigger sprayer: Useful for tiny spots or test areas. It’s fine for a couple square meters but not efficient for a whole yard.
Wheeled pressure sprayer (trolley sprayer): A good upgrade for medium-large yards. These hold more water and travel easily around lawns.
Boom sprayer: For commercial turf care or very large properties. Often used by contractors or golf-course teams. A boom ensures even coverage over many hectares.

Make sure all spray equipment is clean and functioning properly. Check for clogged nozzles or leaks. Calibrate your sprayer if possible, to know exactly how much you’re applying. When spraying, use a fan spray tip to give even coverage without droplets hitting the ground too heavily (which could cause runoff).

Weather and Timing Considerations

Active weeds: Spray when weeds are actively growing (not drought-stressed or newly emerged). Ideally the lawn is green and starting to grow after rain or regular watering.
Avoid wind: Choose a calm day with little to no breeze. Herbicide drift could harm flowers or garden plants nearby. Early morning or late afternoon often works.
No rain window: Do not spray if rain is expected within 4–6 hours. Bow & Arrow needs time to stick to leaves. Once dried (usually in ~1 hour), light rain won’t wash it off.
Temperature: Best between 15–30°C. Extremely hot midday sun can stress grass, and very cool temperatures slow weed uptake.
Mowing: Mow the lawn 3–4 days before spraying, so weeds have fresh, small leaves to absorb the herbicide. After application, wait 3–4 days to mow again, allowing maximum uptake by weeds.

By timing your application to good weather and growing conditions, Bow & Arrow will be most effective. Also, keep turf moist but not waterlogged before spraying, so the grass stays strong and the herbicide spreads well on leaves.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To get the best results:

No overlapping: When spraying, do not double-up in any area. Excess overlap means too high a dose, which can damage turf. Use a flag or line as a guide.
Right surfactant use: Bow & Arrow doesn’t need a surfactant for most weeds, but a small amount of non-ionic surfactant can help with very waxy plants (like mugwort or some thistles). Use surfactant sparingly (if at all) and only if you have tough, hard-to-wet weeds.
Avoid tank mixes: Unless you have a compatibility test, avoid mixing Bow & Arrow with other herbicides or fertilizers in the tank. It’s best used by itself. If you add a fertilizer to the tank, it could reduce its effectiveness.
Follow the label: Stick to recommended rates. More is not better – overapplication risks turf bleach. Similarly, do not under-dose and expect full control.
Clean equipment: After use, thoroughly rinse and clean your sprayer. Herbicide residues can cause harm later if mixed with other chemicals. Rinse out spray tanks onto a non-sensitive area away from watercourses.

By being precise with mixing and application, you get the powerful weed control Bow & Arrow promises without unnecessary turf stress.

Best Time to Apply Bow & Arrow

Timing is key for maximizing Bow & Arrow’s performance. Here’s when to spray for best effect:

Seasonal Timing

Spring (Sep–Nov): Ideal for most broadleaf weeds. Many warm-season turf grasses are greening up and weeds like clover and capeweed are emerging. A spring application can clean up winter weeds and protect your lawn through summer.
Autumn (Mar–May): Cool-season broadleaf weeds often germinate in autumn rains. Applying Bow & Arrow in late summer or early autumn will address weeds like plantains, clover, and winter grass before cooler weather sets in.
Summer: In hot QLD summers, Bow & Arrow can still work, but make sure turf is well-watered beforehand and don’t spray on the hottest day. Late summer spray will suppress weeds heading into autumn.
Winter: Most broadleaf weeds are dormant or slow in winter, so Bow & Arrow is least effective. It’s better to wait until spring growth resumes. However, if an unusually warm winter allows weed growth, a late-winter spray might catch a few early sprouts.

Generally, a single well-timed application each in spring and autumn gives season-long control. Observe your lawn: if weeds pop up after your first spray, a quick spot-spray follow-up will finish the job.

Before and After Mowing

Before spraying: Mow the lawn a few days beforehand. This ensures weeds are short and have fresh leaves to absorb the spray. If weeds are too tall or thick, Bow & Arrow contact may be uneven.
After spraying: Hold off mowing for at least 3 days after application. Mowing too soon can remove herbicide-laden leaf tissue. After 3–4 days (sometimes up to a week), mowing is fine.
Clippings: You can mow the dead weeds and leave clippings on the lawn. Bow & Arrow residues are minimal and will not harm the grass as they break down. Just be careful if using clippings as mulch in gardens: wait a few weeks to ensure the herbicide effect has dissipated.

By coordinating mowing with spraying, you get better weed contact and ensure more of the herbicide stays on the weeds.

Post-Application Care

Watering: Lightly water 24–48 hours after spraying to help move the herbicide into the soil. Avoid heavy watering before this period. Once a couple of days have passed, resume normal watering schedules.
Fertilising: Hold off on high-nitrogen feeds for about two weeks after spraying. Let the herbicide complete its work. If needed, a light application of an iron-rich liquid (or a balanced fertiliser) a week or two later can rejuvenate turf color.
Observation: Check treated areas after 2–3 weeks. If any weeds remain green, they may require a second application. Plan a follow-up spray in 6–8 weeks if needed – we often see second shoots of hardy weeds like Bindii.
Re-seeding: Because of the residual, avoid re-seeding or laying new turf on treated areas for 3 months. If you do reseed within 3 months, there’s a risk of poor germination due to the residual Diflufenican. In established lawns, this isn’t usually an issue since the grass is already in place.

Good post-spray care means you’ll see a thorough lawn clean-up and a quick grass recovery. We recommend marking a calendar after application (especially for professionals): note the date sprayed and set a reminder to inspect in a few weeks.

Specific Considerations

When using Bow & Arrow, keep these extra points in mind:

Environmental Precautions

Protect waterways: Bow & Arrow should not enter streams, ponds, or drains. It can harm aquatic plants. Avoid spraying slopes that lead to water. If there’s any chance of run-off, create a buffer zone or spray on a still day.
Drift management: Never spray on windy days. Even though Bow & Arrow is low-odour, its actives can still affect non-target plants if drift occurs. Use low-pressure nozzles and a coarse spray to minimize drift.
Plant safety: Avoid treating groundcover or garden areas with other vegetation. If you accidentally spray or get it on desirable plants, rinse immediately with water.
Weed disposal: After weeds die, don’t compost them immediately, as they may still have active residues. It’s safer to let them wither in place or remove and dispose of them until they dry out.

By respecting the environment, you protect local ecosystems. Bow & Arrow is safer than many herbicides, but all chemicals need to be used responsibly.

Compatibility with Other Products

Tank mixing: Bow & Arrow is stable in water alone. If you choose to use a surfactant (wetter), add it after diluting the herbicide in the tank. Never exceed recommended surfactant rates.
Fertiliser mixing: Do not mix fertilisers (especially oils or liquids with high salt) in the same tank. Apply any fertilisers separate from the herbicide.
Other herbicides: Since Bow & Arrow is a specialized mix, it’s generally best not to combine it with other herbicides. If you absolutely must combine treatments, do a jar test first (mix small amounts in a container to check for clumping or separation).
Water quality: Bow & Arrow works best in slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 5–8). Hard or alkaline water can slow down some ingredients. If your water is very hard, consider adding a buffering agent or using a mild acid (like a small amount of citric acid) to bring pH in range, as the label suggests.

Following these guidelines ensures Bow & Arrow performs at peak efficiency. When in doubt, less mixing is safer.

Storage and Safety Handling

Storage: Keep Bow & Arrow in its original sealed container, out of direct sunlight, and away from children and pets. Store between 5–30°C if possible. Do not allow it to freeze.
Personal protective equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection while mixing and spraying. Bow & Arrow is relatively low-risk, but it can still irritate skin or eyes on contact.
Re-entry: Once the spray has dried on the lawn (usually 1–2 hours after application), it’s safe for people and pets to re-enter. You might want to keep children and pets off freshly sprayed areas during this drying time.
Cleaning equipment: After use, rinse spraying equipment thoroughly with water. Triple-rinse the empty container: add water, shake, pour into the sprayer, then repeat. Proper disposal of rinsates is important – pour them onto an area that doesn’t feed edible crops or water sources.
First aid: In case of spills on skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If you get it in your eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep the label or SDS available for emergency instructions.

Observing safety and storage instructions will protect you and ensure the product remains effective for future use.

Professional Support

At Roberts Turf Supplies, we stand behind the products we sell – and our team of turf experts is here to support you. If you have any questions about Bow & Arrow Herbicide or broader lawn care:

Friendly advice: Give us a call or visit our Sunshine Coast or Gympie turf farms. Our team knows the local climate and weeds. We can walk you through the mixing rates, timing, and even on-site demonstrations of spraying if needed.
Lawn care services: Beyond products, we offer services like soil preparation, turf installation, and ongoing maintenance. We can include herbicide recommendations (like Bow & Arrow) in a complete care plan tailored to your lawn.
Follow-up tips: We love seeing lawns succeed. After you use Bow & Arrow, we can advise on post-spray care such as appropriate fertiliser programs or aeration to keep your turf healthy and weed-free long-term.
Local expertise: As Sunshine Coast and Gympie locals, we understand seasonal weed pressures here. We keep up with the latest turf-safe herbicides so you can trust our recommendations.

Buying Bow & Arrow from Roberts Turf Supplies gets you more than just a bottle – you get access to our collective lawn care knowledge. We’re happy to troubleshoot any issue or help you plan the timing and application to fit your schedule.

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