Short answer
Pull weeds the day after watering, when the soil is soft, and get the whole root. Mow at the highest setting that suits your grass, so the blades shade out weed seeds. Spot-treat the rest with a weed killer labeled safe for your type of grass. In late winter, before the soil warms, spread a pre-emergent to stop crabgrass seeds from sprouting. Then keep the lawn thick.
Safety first
Weed killers and pre-emergents are chemicals. Read the whole label, wear gloves, keep kids and pets off the lawn until it dries, and never mix products.
How to get rid of weeds in the lawn and keep them out
1Weeds pop up everywhere
Dandelions, clover and crabgrass move into thin spots first. Each weed that goes to seed spreads many more across the yard.
Read all the steps
- Weeds pop up everywhere. Dandelions, clover and crabgrass move into thin spots first. Each weed that goes to seed spreads many more across the yard.
- Pull them, root and all. Water the day before so the soil is soft. Grab the weed at the base or use a weed puller, and lift slowly so the long root comes out whole.
- Mow at a higher setting. Taller grass shades the soil, so weed seeds do not get the light they need. Never cut off more than a third of the blade at once.
- Late winter: a pre-emergent. Spread it before the soil warms in spring, then water it in. It stops new seeds from sprouting but does not kill weeds already growing.
- A thick lawn leaves no room. Water deeply, feed it in the right season and fill bare spots. Dense grass crowds out most weeds on its own.
- Still not fixed? Call a landscaper Especially if: weeds cover more than about half of the lawn.
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What not to do
- Do not spray weed killer in the heat. Many products harm the lawn above about 85 to 90 °F: check the label.
- Do not use a pre-emergent where you plan to seed soon. It stops grass seed from sprouting too.
- Do not use a product made for one grass on another. Some weed killers that are fine on Bermuda damage St. Augustine.
- Do not leave pulled weeds with seed heads on the lawn. Bag them.
Why weeds take over
Weeds are a sign of a weak lawn, not the cause. Too little water, mowing too short, heavy shade or packed soil thins the grass and leaves bare soil, and weed seeds land there first. Fix the reason the grass is thin and the weeds lose their space.
When to call a landscaper
- Weeds cover more than about half of the lawn.
- You are not sure which grass you have or which product is safe for it.
- The same grassy weed keeps coming back after you treat it.
- You would rather not handle weed killers around kids or pets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of weeds in my lawn?
Pull the big ones by hand after watering and spot-treat the rest with a weed killer labeled for your grass type. Lasting results come from mowing higher and keeping the lawn thick.
When should I put down pre-emergent?
In late winter or early spring, before the soil warms and crabgrass sprouts. In the South and the desert Southwest that comes earlier than up north. A second round in fall helps stop winter weeds.
Will weed killer kill my grass?
It can. Use only products labeled safe for your grass type, follow the rate on the label and skip hot days. St. Augustine is sensitive to some common weed killers.
Is it better to pull weeds or spray them?
Pull a few weeds with long roots, like dandelions, after watering. Spray when weeds cover large areas, and always read the label first.
Why do weeds keep coming back in my lawn?
The lawn is thin, so seeds keep finding bare soil. Mow higher, water deeply and fill bare spots, or the weeds come back every season.