Effective methods for killing weeds in your lawn
By Nina Kulenkampff•Last updated Mar 22, 2024
Last updated Mar 22, 2024
If you want to enjoy a weed-free lawn, you've come to the right place. Killing weeds in grass — or in the lawn, as many weeds are actually grass types — is a bit of a science. This guide explains what it takes to kill weeds and ensure they stay gone.
Whether you want to DIY or hire a weeding service, there are some things you'll need to know when taking on this project. Let's begin.
Understanding weed growth
Weeds in a lawn compete with grass for sunlight, space, water, and nutrients. If you want a healthy-looking lawn, it helps to learn about the different types of weeds.
Common types of weeds found in lawns
The first step to getting rid of weeds in your lawn is knowing what you’re dealing with. There are online resources that can help you identify them. However, the easiest and most reliable way to learn about your weeds is to consult a knowledgeable weed control professional.
The most common types of weeds found in grass can be separated into three categories:
- Broadleaf weeds are usually easy to spot in your grass. They have veins and leaves on their stems, and some even have flowers. Common examples include dandelions and chickweed.
- Grassy weeds, like crabgrass and Bermuda grass, resemble the surrounding turf and can be harder to identify.
- Sedges, like yellow nutsedge, have triangular stems and often grow in wet areas.
Factors that contribute to weed growth
Different types of weeds grow in different conditions. Remember that weeds compete with your lawn for certain resources.
- Moisture levels
- Soil pH
- Soil fertility
- Light conditions
- Compacted soil
- Saline soils
- Etc.
Weeds thrive under certain conditions, and understanding these factors can help prevent their growth. Common contributors to weed growth include inadequate lawn maintenance, such as improper mowing and watering practices, poor soil health, lack of proper fertilization, and compacted soil. Weed seeds can also be carried by wind or animals, or brought in through contaminated soil or lawn equipment.
Identifying the signs of a weed-infested lawn
A healthy lawn should have consistent grass coverage. In addition to obvious weeds, such as dandelions, look for patches of grass that stand out or look different from the rest of your lawn. Some weeds have blades and blooms that are thinner, spikier, or a different color than the surrounding grass.
Mechanical weed removal
Mechanical weeding is great for smaller infestations. It involves pulling, cutting, or otherwise damaging weeds to remove them from a lawn.
Be warned: this process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, it can be effective.
Using hand tools to manually remove weeds
If you have a visible patch or two of weeds, hand pulling or using root talons or weed wrenches can get the job done. But if you’re dealing with a large infestation, mechanical weed removal may not be the best use of your time and effort.
When pulling or digging out weeds, remember these tips:
- Start by loosening the soil around the weed using a trowel or weeding fork. This makes it easier to extract the entire root system.
- Grab the weed as close to the base as possible to get a good grip.
- Gently but firmly pull the weed upward, removing the entire root system.
- Don’t disturb the grass or compact the soil as you go, because the gaps left in the lawn create the perfect breeding ground for new weeds.
- Sprinkle some grass seeds in these patches and keep them adequately watered.
Natural and organic weed control
If you prefer eco-friendly products in and around your home, you can try a natural organic weed killer that will be easier on your lawn and the ecosystem it supports. You can also try these techniques:
Using vinegar and other household remedies as weed killers
Recent studies show that using vinegar or a vinegar-based herbicide is an effective method for getting rid of weeds.
But there are some caveats. For example, vinegar typically works best on young weeds and weeds with fewer leaves. The older the weed and the more leaves it has, the harder it may be to kill with vinegar.
Also, low concentrations of acetic acid may not be as effective at killing weeds. According to the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, “20% acetic acid is more effective than a 5% or 10% concentration.”
Still, it’s worth a try. Use the vinegar method on a warm, sunny day. Mix 1 gallon of 5% or stronger vinegar with 1 cup of castile soap in a garden sprayer.
Put on goggles and gloves, and spray your weeds thoroughly with the vinegar. Be careful not to spray nearby plants. You should see results in about 24 hours.
Pouring boiling water on weeds to remove them
Another household remedy you can try is boiling water, which is especially effective for removing weeds growing in cracks on your driveway or patio. Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it over the weeds, avoiding nearby plants or grass.
Like the vinegar method, this is more effective on younger weeds. You should also wear protective gear, such as gloves, pants, and long sleeves, in case the boiling water splashes onto you.
Exploring more eco-friendly herbicides for weed control
If you prefer a more targeted approach, eco-friendly herbicides are available on the market. Look for herbicides labeled as organic and safe for use around children and pets.
With so many options available, a professional’s expertise might be the best way to find the right product.
Applying post-emergent herbicides
You can also use herbicides to kill and remove weeds from your lawn. Just make sure you use post-emergent herbicides, not pre-emergent. Post-emergent herbicides are designed to remove weeds that have already emerged, while pre-emergent herbicides are a preventative measure.
It’s best to remove weeds when they’re young, which is usually in the spring. The older and taller they get, the harder they are to kill. Before you apply post-emergent herbicide, do the following to help ensure it works effectively:
- Follow the instructions and read the labels.
- Put on protective gear, including gloves, goggles, long sleeves, pants, and boots.
- Make sure your lawn isn’t suffering from disease or drought.
- Check the weather for wind, which can blow herbicide into nearby plants you don’t want to kill.
If you only have a few weeds in your lawn, you may be able to remove them on your own. But if weeds cover a large portion of your grass, it’s best to hire a professional.
Preventing weed infestations and regrowth after removal
Prevention is better than a cure. By following a few routine steps, you can keep weeds at bay. Here are our tips and tricks of the trade:
Proper lawn maintenance practices to deter weeds
Maintaining a healthy lawn can help keep weeds at bay. Killing weeds in your grass is also less stressful on the lawn if it’s in good shape. Maintenance and care tailored to your specific grass type are key.
Do the following to help prevent weeds:
- Mowing: This should be done at the right frequency and height and with sharp mower blades or bedknives. If you mow your lawn too short, it can become more vulnerable to weeds.
- Soil testing: Routinely test the soil’s pH and nutrient levels to determine whether anything should be added to create better grass-growing conditions.
- Fertilizing: Applying the right amount and type of fertilizer at the appropriate times can promote healthy grass growth and prevent weed encroachment.
- Irrigation: Be sure to use the right amount of water to irrigate your particular type of grass at the right time of day, usually in the morning before 10 a.m.
- Dethatching: Every lawn needs a certain level of thatch, the dead grass leaves between the live leaves and the roots. But too much thatch can smother certain kinds of grass, and you may need to dethatch your lawn. However, don’t dethatch while weeds are germinating, or you risk spreading them throughout your lawn.
- Core verification: Be sure to routinely aerate the soil, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent soil compaction, which can help some weeds grow.
Choosing the right grass variety for weed resistance
Planting the right grass species for your climate and your lawn’s location is also important. You should also choose a hardy cultivar that can hold its own against weeds, fungi, and pests.
Research grass types suitable for your region and select one known for weed resistance. Consult a lawn care professional to verify your choice and help you create a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Use a pre-emergent herbicide
This is where hiring a weed control professional comes in handy. Different weeds have different life cycles, so you need to know what weeds you’re dealing with to prevent regrowth.
For example, a professional may recommend applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.
Hire a lawn care service near you
Maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn can be a lot of work. Although this is a DIY-friendly task, you may want to hire a professional. It will cost you money, but a pro is more likely to provide safe and effective weed control measures.
Professionals who specialize in weed control, lawn care, and gardening have the necessary skills and knowledge to help remove weeds from your lawn. All you need to know is where to find these pros.
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