How to get rid of weeds in grass

RSS

It might surprise you to know that the term ‘weed’ does not refer to one specific plant. Rather, it’s an umbrella term gardeners use to describe any plant that grows where it’s not wanted.

While some weeds may have benefits for wildlife, they can compete with your chosen plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Weeds can be categorised into two general categories: annual and perennial weeds.

What actually are garden weeds?

Annual weeds complete their entire life cycle, from germination to seed production, within a single year.

These weeds often germinate from seeds in spring, flower during the summer, and set seeds in the autumn before dying. Due to their short life cycle, annual weeds spread quickly by producing a large number of seeds.

Perennial weeds, however, live for more than two years and are often more difficult to control due to their ability to regenerate from their roots. They spread through seed production and vegetative growth, which can make them particularly challenging to get rid of.

Below is an overview of some of the most common types of annual and perennial weeds found in UK gardens.

Annual weeds
Fat Hen	A fast-growing weed that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. It has broad leaves and produces numerous small greenish-white flowers, often found in vegetable gardens and disturbed soils.
Chickweed	A low-growing plant with small white flowers and a creeping habit. It thrives in rich, moist soils and can quickly cover the ground, smothering other plants.
Groundsel	A short, bushy plant with yellow flower heads that resemble small dandelions. It produces seeds throughout the year, which are dispersed by the wind.
Hairy Bittercress	A small, rosette-forming weed that can be found in lawns and borders. It produces tiny white flowers and explosive seedpods.
Annual Meadow grass	A common grass weed that grows in tufts. It has light green leaves and can produce seed heads throughout the year, often blending in with regular lawn grass.
Yellow oxalis/creeping woodsorrel	A low-growing weed with clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers. It spreads by seeds and creeping stems, often forming dense mats in lawns and garden beds.

Perennial weeds
Brambles	Brambles, commonly known as blackberry bushes, are highly invasive shrubs with long, thorny stems. They form dense thickets that can be challenging to remove.
Couch grass	Also known as skutch grass, couch grass is a vigorous perennial grass that spreads through underground rhizomes. It is difficult to remove completely because even small root fragments left in the soil can regrow.
Creeping buttercup	Creeping buttercup is a low-growing perennial with glossy yellow flowers. It thrives in damp, saturated soils and spreads rapidly via runners and seeds.
Creeping thistle	Creeping thistle is a highly invasive weed with spiny, lobed leaves and purple or pink flowers. It spreads through an extensive root system and can rapidly dominate large areas if not managed.
Dandelion	Dandelions are common perennial weeds that reproduce through both wind-dispersed seeds and deep taproot.
Dock	Dock is a broadleaved perennial weed with a deep taproot. It is commonly found in nutrient-rich soils and areas of poor drainage.

Do you need to remove weeds?

No! There’s nothing in the gardener's handbook that says removing weeds is a necessity. Some weeds have colourful flowers that can look lovely in your flowering landscape. They can also sustain wildlife and attract pollinating insects.

But for gardeners trying to cultivate a tidy lawn, weeds will soon become your worst enemy. As naturally invasive and destructive, they have a negative reputation in the gardening world. So, what’s the best way to rid yourself of these pesky plants?

Lawn weed killers

Lawn weed killers are chemical solutions specifically formulated to target weeds without damaging the grass. These selective herbicides work by over-stimulating weed growth, which causes the plant to exhaust itself and die.

Weedol Lawn Weed Killer 800ml

These products are typically applied using a watering can or sprayer and, once dry, are safe for children and pets. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your lawn or other nearby plants.

These treatments are most effective during the growing season, between April and September when weeds are actively growing. Multiple applications may be necessary for more stubborn weeds, especially if they have deep roots or are well-established.

All-in-one solutions

All-in-one solutions, such as weed and feed products, combine herbicides with lawn fertilisers.

Roundup Pump N Go 5L Refill

They are particularly useful for thin, patchy, or widespread weed-prone lawns. The herbicide element targets common lawn weeds, while the added nutrients help the grass grow stronger and outcompete the weeds.

Hand pulling

The most environmentally friendly method of weed removal is by hand. It’s best suited for smaller lawns or for dealing with isolated weeds, and can be made quicker by using gardening tools.

1. Use a trowel/long-blade lever

Kent & Stowe CS Hand Trowel

A trowel or a long-blade lever is essential for loosening the soil around the weed. These tools make it easier to pull out the entire root system. Start by inserting the trowel or lever blade at an angle beside the weed, pressing down to loosen the soil.

2. Fill the hole with compost

Once the weed and its root have been removed, you will be left with a small hole in the lawn. To prevent new weeds from taking hold, fill the hole with compost.

3. Sprinkle grass seeds

Choose a seed mix that matches the existing grass type in your lawn. Then, sprinkle the seeds evenly over the compost, lightly pat them down to ensure good soil contact, and water the area well.

How to prevent lawn weed growth

Once you’ve dealt with weeds once (and realised just how time-consuming it is!), you’ll want to prevent them from taking hold again.

Treat weeds immediately

With weeds, prevention is key!

Weeds are opportunistic and can quickly establish themselves if left unchecked. Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of weed growth, especially during the growing season in spring and summer when they are most active.

Re-seed bare patches

Bare patches in your lawn are an open invitation for weeds to take root. If you want to prevent the plants from taking root, you must re-seed all bare areas.

Take regular care of your lawn

A lawn that is regularly fed, mowed and aerated will naturally suppress weed development.

Form a consistent mowing schedule

Mowing grass to the appropriate height creates shade on the soil surface, which inhibits weed seed germination by blocking sunlight.

During the summer months, set your mower blades higher to provide shade for the roots and retain moisture. In the cooler months of spring and autumn, lower the blades slightly to encourage thicker grass growth.

How to tackle lawn weeds by season

Keeping your lawn weed-free requires a year-round strategy. Different varieties of weeds tend to emerge and spread in different seasons, so it’s important to tailor your methods as the year progresses.

Spring

Spring is when the soil starts to warm up and weeds begin to germinate: the perfect time for growth!

Early in the season, apply selective weed killers that target broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover without damaging the grass. If you prefer an organic approach, hand-pulling weeds will be effective, especially when the soil is moist.

Summer

Your lawn grows fastest in summer, and regular mowing encourages the grass to produce side shoots that create a denser sward to prevent weeds.

For those stubborn weeds that survived the spring treatment, applying a second dose of herbicide in the early summer may be necessary.

Autumn

Autumn is a transitional period for your lawn, as grass growth slows down and weeds become more visible.

However, this season is also an excellent time for lawn care to prepare for the winter months. Applying a feed that includes iron can help strengthen the grass and discourage moss growth, which can become a problem in colder, damp conditions.

FAQs

What kills weeds but not the grass?

Selective weed killers are designed to target weeds without harming your grass. These products contain specific chemicals that affect broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, daisies, and clover, while leaving grass unharmed.

What should I do with the lawn clippings after applying weedkiller?

After applying weed killer, it is generally advised not to use the lawn clippings for compost or mulch. The chemicals in the weed killer can remain active in the clippings and may harm other plants if they are reused in garden beds or compost heaps.

What's the quickest way to get rid of weeds?

The quickest way to eliminate weeds depends on the extent of the weed problem and the type of weeds present.

For smaller areas with isolated weeds, manual removal using tools like a hand weeder or garden fork is effective and environmentally friendly. For larger areas or more stubborn weeds, selective weed killers provide a fast and targeted solution.

Is it better to pull weeds or spray them?

Hand-pulling is ideal for small lawns or areas where weeds are sparse.

It’s effective for removing weeds with deep roots, such as dandelions, as long as the entire root system is removed to prevent regrowth. Spraying is a more practical option for larger lawns with widespread weed problems.