There are several ways to get rid of weeds in your grass, including vinegar, pulling them by hand, or applying post-emergent herbicides. The best method depends on the type of weed and how widespread they are.
If weeds are left untouched, they can quickly spread and take over your lawn. A weed infestation can undo all your hard work, making your grass look patchy and unkempt. Even worse, weeds compete with your grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, weakening your lawn over time.
In this guide, I’ll share some tips and show you the best ways to get rid of weeds while keeping your grass healthy and strong. However, if the task feels overwhelming, there’s no shame in calling a weed control professional for help.
Pull weeds by hand
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $6 to $17 |
You will need:
- Hand trowel or wedding fork
Hand-pulling is a simple method to remove weeds from your grass. It works best for small to medium weed infestations. To pull weeds by hand, get close to the ground surface and grab the weed near the base. Pull it out slowly to get the whole root. If the weed is tough or has deep roots, use a weeding fork or hand trowel to help you.
My tip: Pull weeds by hand when the soil is moist. The roots come out more smoothly, giving you a better chance of removing the entire weed.
Use a scuffle hoe
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $16 to $29 |
You will need:
- Scuffle hoe
A scuffle hoe is a great tool for weeding in tight spaces. It’s lightweight and lets you work without needing to kneel. To use it, glide the blade of the hoe just under the soil surface to slice off weed stems. Be careful to avoid disturbing the soil too much.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that a scuffle hoe cuts weeds at the surface, leaving the roots behind, explains the WeedCUT. This means weeds will grow back, especially those with bulbs, rhizomes, or tubers.
Apply post-emergent herbicides
| Level experience: Advanced Cost: $20 to $90 or more, depending on the quantity and the type of herbicide. |
You will need:
- Herbicide
- Handheld sprayer (for liquid herbicide) or fertilizer spreader (for granular herbicides)
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Long pants
- Hat
- Closed-toed shoes
Post-emergent herbicides help control weeds that have already sprouted and can be used anytime during the growing season. There are different types of post-emergent herbicides, and the best one for your lawn depends on how many weeds you have, their growth stage, and the weed type you’re dealing with.
- Selective herbicides target specific weeds, leaving your grass unharmed. Some are made to kill grassy weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge; others will take on broadleaf weeds like dandelions and henbit.
- Non-selective herbicides kill any plants they touch, including your grass. They are best for spot treatments or areas where you don’t want any vegetation.
- Contact herbicides kill only the plant tissue they touch. They work fast but don’t reach the roots, so repeat treatments may be needed, especially for annual weeds.
- Systemic herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and kill the entire plant, including the roots. They take longer to work but are more effective for deep-rooted or perennial weeds.
Always read and follow the instructions on the product for safe use. For liquid herbicide, mix with water according to the label and apply using a handheld sprayer. For granular types, use a fertilizer spreader to cover the area evenly.
Wear protective clothing to avoid contact with chemicals. Apply the herbicide evenly over the affected areas. After application, wash your hands, clothes, and any tools used. Keep children and pets off the treated area for the time recommended on the label.
Try natural weed killers
According to the Colorado State University Extension, most people use chemical weed killers like glyphosate, which is effective but toxic to the environment, humans, animals, and even the water supply. Natural weed killers offer a safer, eco-friendly option that helps control weeds without risking damage to your lawn, the environment, or your health.
Boiling water
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $0 |
You will need:
- Boiling water
Boiling water is a simple way to kill weeds growing in cracks on sidewalks or driveways. The heat damages the plants, causing them to wilt and die. However, it only affects the parts it touches, so roots may survive, and some weeds could regrow. Be careful when using boiling water near your lawn, as it can also harm the grass. For stubborn weeds, a second application may be needed.
Vinegar
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $15 |
You will need:
- Vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
I’ve tried vinegar as a natural way to kill weeds, and while it can be effective, it has its downsides. Vinegar is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it kills any plant it touches, including your grass and flowers, so you have to apply it carefully. It only affects the surface of the weed, leaving the roots intact, which means some weeds will grow back and need repeated treatments.
My tip: To make a homemade weed killer, I mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 gallon of white or apple cider vinegar in a bucket, stir it well, and pour it into a spray bottle for easy application.
Corn gluten meal
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $9.5 per 1,000 square feet |
You will need:
- Corn gluten meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide that also provides nitrogen to support lawn health. As Dr. Aaron Patton, Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University Extension, explains, corn gluten meal has demonstrated effectiveness at reducing weed growth, such as crabgrass, in northern lawns. However, tests indicate its performance in southern regions is less reliable.
My tip: Corn gluten meal targets different types of seeds, including your lawn. That is why I only apply it to established turf to avoid accidentally stopping new growth where I want it.
Overseed heavy
| Level experience: Beginners Cost: $19 or more, depending on the amount and type of grass you need. |
You will need:
- Grass seeds
Overseeding –spreading new grass seed over your lawn– helps fill bare spots and prevent weeds by creating a thicker, more competitive lawn. However, if weeds have already taken over, overseeding alone won’t be enough. For best results, choose the right seed for your climate, spread it evenly, and keep the soil moist until the grass is established.
Hire a professional
Dealing with weeds can be frustrating, especially if they keep sprouting despite your best efforts. If the problem feels overwhelming or weeds have taken over your lawn, Lawnlove can connect you with a weed control professional to help you.
Find a lawn care professional near you
Weeds can be a real headache, making your lawn look messy and unhealthy. The truth is, not everyone has the time to prevent or treat them. If keeping up with lawn maintenance feels overwhelming, Lawnlove can connect you with a lawn care professional who can help.
Sources:
- Aaron Patton. Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University Extension. Personal Interview.
- University of Minnesota Extension
- Colorado State University Extension
- Weed CUT
Main Image: Person spraying lawn with weedicide sprayer. Image Credit: Shutterstock
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