4 Natural Ways to Kill the Lawn Weeds

Few experiences are as exasperating as discovering persistent weeds in your lawn or garden. Although your immediate reaction might be to use traditional weed killers and herbicides, applying these chemicals can jeopardize the well-being of your landscape.

Numerous products include components that can harm healthy soil and create a reliance on chemical solutions for maintenance. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to control weeds in your lawn. Below, we present several natural weed killers along with preventative strategies to eliminate these troublesome plants.

1. Weed Identification

Effective weed management requires the ability to identify different types of weeds and understand their life cycles. Weeds in lawns can generally be classified into three categories:

1. Broadleaves

2. Grasses

3. Sedges

It is important to differentiate weedy grasses from lawn grass species that may appear similar. Weeds can have annual, biennial, or perennial life cycles.

Annual weeds are typically categorized as either winter (cool-season) or summer (warm-season) annuals, living for just one season. If not managed before they flower, these weeds can produce seeds that may germinate the following year or even within the same growing season. In temperate regions or lawns affected by microclimates, cool-season annuals might be observed growing during the summer (or throughout the year), while warm-season annuals can appear in winter (or year-round).

Biennial weeds live for two growing seasons, reproducing either vegetatively or through seeds, but they only produce seeds in their second year.

Perennial weeds, on the other hand, can live for several years. While they do produce seeds, many primarily propagate vegetatively through creeping stems (stolons and rhizomes), tubers, or fleshy roots. Once established, perennial weeds are the most challenging to control.

2. How to Kill Weeds Naturally?

There are several natural weed killers available for purchase or that you can create yourself. However, it is important to note that none of these options address the weeds at their roots, meaning they will only provide a short-term solution to your weed issues. Additionally, like any weed control method, these alternatives can harm the desirable grass and plants nearby.

a) Use Boiling Water

Applying boiling water as a method for weed control is straightforward; simply heat the water until it reaches a boil and then pour it directly onto the weeds in your garden. The effect is nearly instantaneous, resulting in the death of the weeds. Craig Elworthy, the founder of Lawnbright, notes that this technique is classified as 'non-selective' because it eliminates all plant life it comes into contact with. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize this method in areas such as mulch beds or patios.

b) Use Vinegar Weed Killer

To effectively eliminate stubborn weeds, you can create a vinegar-based weed killer. Simply mix 1 gallon of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and then spray this solution directly onto the unwanted plants in your garden.

The acetic acid present in vinegar serves as a contact herbicide, disrupting the cell walls of the weeds and depleting their moisture. It is important to apply the mixture specifically to the weeds, as vinegar has the potential to harm other plants in your yard as well.

c) Use Weed Torch

An alternative method for effectively eliminating weeds is by utilizing a specialized blowtorch designed for this purpose. The wilting of the weed occurs rapidly, often within seconds, allowing you to proceed to the next target. However, it is essential to exercise caution to avoid harming your lawn and surrounding plants. Additionally, refrain from using this method during excessively dry periods or in areas prone to wildfires.

d) Use An Organic Solution

When selecting a spray to eliminate weeds, opt for those that prominently feature iron as a key component. Iron acts as a natural herbicide by causing the weeds to wilt through over-nourishment.

For tackling broadleaf and grassy weeds, consider using non-selective or broad-spectrum herbicides such as Burnout, which contains citric acid, or Avenger, which is formulated with citrus oil. These products utilize acidity to eradicate plants, akin to the method employed with vinegar.

3. How to Help a Lawn That is Full of Weeds?

• Identify and remove weeds: Manually pull weeds or use herbicides, ensuring you target the specific types present in your lawn.

• Improve lawn health: Regularly fertilize, water adequately, and aerate the soil to create a dense, healthy lawn that resists weed growth.

• Apply preventative measures: Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating and maintain proper mowing height to keep weeds from getting sunlight.

4. How Do I Kill Weeds Without Killing the Grass?

When selecting a weed killer, it is essential to choose one specifically designed to eliminate weeds without harming your grass. A selective herbicide is formulated to target only certain plants, ensuring that not all vegetation in the treated area is affected. One of the most widely used selective herbicides is 2,4-D.