Effective methods for killing weeds in your lawn.

Understanding weed growth.

One of the most important things to know about a weed-infested lawn is that weeds compete with your grass for valuable commodities such as sunlight, space, water, and nutrients. If you want a healthy-looking lawn, it’s worth learning 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 to know what weeds 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. Some even have flowers. A few common examples include dandelions and chickweed.
• Grassy weeds, like crabgrass and Bermuda grass, resemble the surrounding turf and can be more challenging 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 settings. Remember how we mentioned that weeds compete with your lawn for certain resources? 

Here is a list of some of the factors that contribute to weed growth:

• 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. Additionally, weed seeds can 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. Apart from obvious weeds, such as dandelions, look for patches of "grass" that stand out or look different from the grass in your lawn. Some weeds have blades and blooms that are thinner, spikier, or a different color from the usual grass. 

Having trouble spotting the weeds? Again, this is something a professional can assess in a heartbeat.

Mechanical weed removal.

Mechanical weeding is great for smaller infestations of weeds. It involves pulling, cutting, or otherwise damaging weeds to rid a lawn of them. 

Be warned: this process is laborious and time-intensive. 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 big weed infestation, mechanical weed removal may not be the best allocation of your resources. 

When pulling or digging out weeds, remember the following 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 provide the perfect breeding ground for new weeds to grow. 
• Sprinkle some grass seeds in these patches and keep them adequately watered.

Natural and organic weed control.

Do you prefer using eco-friendly products in and around your home? You can try shopping for a natural organic weed killer that will be easier on your lawn and the ecosystem it houses. You can also try implementing 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 in 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 and 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 other 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, just 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 that are 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 is designed to remove weeds that have already emerged, and pre-emergent is a preventative measure.

It's best to remove weeds when they're young, which is usually in the spring. Remember: the older and taller they get, the harder they are to kill. But before you apply post-emergent herbicide, do the following to help ensure the herbicide effectively kills the weeds in your grass:

• 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 diseases or drought.
• Check the weather for wind, which can blow the herbicide into nearby plants you don't want to kill.

If you only have a few weeds in your lawn, you could probably remove the weeds on your own. But if weeds are covering 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 implementing 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 traumatic on the lawn if it’s in good shape. Maintenance (and catering to the needs of your specific type of grass) is key.

Do the following to 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 it needs anything 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 (which is usually in the morning before 10am).
• Dethatching: Every lawn needs a certain level of thatch (the dead grass leaves between the live leaves and the roots). But too much of it can smother certain kinds of grass, and you may need to dethatch your lawn. However, don't dethatch your lawn while weeds germinate (when it grows from a seed to a plant). If so, you risk spreading the weeds 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 the lawn's location is also important. You should also choose a hardy cultivar that can hold its own against weeds, fungi, and pests. 

Research different grass types suitable for your region and select one known for its 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; 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. 

Download the Thumbtack app, and contact professionals near you for free estimates for your project.