Every homeowner with a lawn will someday wonder how to get rid of weeds in grass. Among the many trials of lawn maintenance, weed removal and control is likely the most universal. While a healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds appearing in the first place, knowing methods for dealing with them is crucial.
Digging weeds
While definitely the most laborious method, physically removing lawn weeds is the most effective way to keep them away. Using the right gardening tools and techniques, you can target and kill weeds in specific areas of your lawn.
Always pull weeds from the roots using a tool such as a sickle blade. Perennial weeds are more easily removed early in the spring before they’ve had a chance to build strong root systems.
Organic herbicides
Organic herbicides are an excellent option to kill weeds permanently. However, many herbicides can also kill your lawn grass, so make sure to read instructions carefully and apply only as needed.
Corn gluten is one organic herbicide that can prevent specific types of weeds from growing roots. Acetic acid and horticultural white vinegar also make exceptional weed killer, but will only affect the weeds above the surface.
DIY Weed killers
For a simple homemade weed killer, try boiling water. Once heated to at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit, water can kill existing weeds and prevent new weeds from growing. This is a particularly good option for treating cracks and edges of sidewalks, driveways and pathways.
Plain dish soap, apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt also work as DIY weed killers when mixed with water. If you have a recurring weed problem, these methods can be helpful for saving time and keeping your costs down in between other larger treatments.
Weed control is part of proper lawn care. You can control weeds with frequent lawn care, monitoring weed growth and removing lawn weeds with these organic and less caustic options. If you happen to have particularly irritating and resistant weeds, try a lawn care professional for a healthy lawn who may have more tools to control more stubborn weeds.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
