Weeds and crabgrass can mar an otherwise perfect lawn. For best results, treat weeds before they begin to grow. If weeds have already taken root in your lawn, there are three solutions:
Dig up individual weeds.
Apply fertilizer that includes herbicide to your whole lawn.
Spot-treat weeds with weed killer.
You can dig up weeds if you prefer a natural route. A spade or weeding tool, kneepads, top soil and determination are all you need to get rid of weeds the old-fashioned way. Make sure you remove the roots when digging up weeds by hand. Those tap roots can grow deep.
Digging up weeds may be overwhelming if your lawn is large. In that case, try using a fertilizer with a built-in weed killer, or herbicide. This way, you add the nutrients lawns need. At the same time, you also prevent crabgrass and other weeds from sprouting.
Depending on what your lawn needs, choose from an herbicide that takes out broadleaf weeds, clover or crabgrass. A broadleaf killer leaves grass alone and targets weeds, so it’s a common choice. Look at the weeds you’ve got to choose the right herbicide. The weed killer component is targeted to the problem growth.
You might also choose to apply a separate weed killer on only the offending growth. Should you go that route, wear the proper safety equipment. A respirator and rubber gloves are a must. Closely follow the instructions on the bottle or bag.
If your lawn is prone to unwanted pests such as ticks, ants or fleas, use a lawn pest control treatment. Follow the directions on the package. Old ant hills may need to be dug up once the inhabitants are gone. You’d then need to fill and reseed the resulting hole to get your lawn green again.
When your lawn is strong and healthy, that alone will help prevent weeds. A green lawn without bare spots doesn’t leave weeds anywhere to sprout, so it’s easier to maintain.
