Kill Weeds, Not Grass: A Comprehensive Guide for a Healthier Lawn

A healthy lawn isn’t just for show; it’s a vital part of your home’s ecosystem. For homeowners and property managers alike, the goal is clear: kill weeds, not grass. 

Weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, and clover compete with your grass for sunlight, nutrients, and water.

Left unchecked, they can choke your lawn, diminish its appearance, and even spread to other areas like your vegetable garden.

Moreover, invasive weeds can establish deep roots, making them difficult to remove. 

In the Midwest, where changing seasons and varying soil conditions make it difficult to sustain healthy turf, understanding how to target weeds without damaging your lawn grass is essential. 

Understanding the Enemy: Identifying Common Lawn Weeds in the Midwest

Before jumping into how to kill weeds, it’s crucial to recognize the different types of weeds that might be growing in your yard. Different weeds require different treatment methods, so knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step. 

Some common lawn weeds in the Midwest include:

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)

These bright yellow flowers may look innocent but their deep roots make them tough to eliminate permanently. They spread quickly, thanks to their iconic puffballs that release weed seeds into the air.

These seed heads are carried by the wind, making them reach far and wide into your lawn and neighboring land.

Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

A fast-growing annual weed that thrives in the hot summer months in weak, thin areas of lawns. Since crabgrass is an annual, it dies off each winter but reseeds itself for the following year, making prevention a key strategy. 

Clover (Trifolium spp.)

Though beneficial in some agricultural settings, as clover is a broadleaf weed that is a nitrogen-fixer (meaning it can thrive in low-nitrogen soils), it can quickly spread across lawns outcompeting grass. 

Thistle (Cirsium spp.)

It is a prickly weed that can be difficult to manage due to its deep roots and ability to regrow from fragments. 

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)

Also known as ground ivy, Creeping Charlie is a tough perennial weed that spreads through stolons, or runners, making it hard to control. Its small, scalloped leaves can form dense mats that choke out grass. 

Proven Methods to Kill Weeds Without Harming Grass

Spot Treatment with Selective Herbicides

The best way to target weeds while leaving your lawn grass intact is by using selective herbicides. A selective herbicide works by attacking specific types of weeds like broad-leaf weeds without damaging turf grasses.

These weed killers are excellent for controlling lawn weeds like dandelions and clover.

The product instructions are to be followed carefully to ensure the weed killer only targets the weeds and not your grass and to avoid over-application. 

Avoid using non-selective weed killers, such as glyphosate, as these kill any plant they come into contact with, including your grass.

Apply them at the right time, usually in the early spring or late summer, when weeds are actively growing. 

When using selective herbicides, you should typically see results within a few weeks, with the weeds dying off and your grass left untouched. 

Pre-emergent Herbicides for Weed Prevention

Preventing weed seeds from germinating is another effective strategy to control weeds.

Timing is crucial; applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the early spring or fall can stop weed seeds like those of annual weeds such as crabgrass, which reseed themselves each year, from sprouting. 

A pre-emergent herbicide should be applied before the weed seeds have a chance to grow.

By intercepting the growth of weeds before they even start, you’ll save yourself time and effort later in the season. It’s an excellent way to prevent invasive weeds from taking over your lawn. 

Hand Pulling and Mechanical Weed Control

For smaller infestations or large weeds like dandelions, hand pulling is an effective yet fairly simple method. Hand-pull the weeds when the soil is moist, as it’s easier to get the entire root out, preventing regrowth.

Make sure to wear gloves when removing weeds by hand, especially when dealing with thorny or irritating weeds. Tools such as weed pullers or dandelion diggers can help you get to the root of the problem more easily. 

Mechanical methods, such as aerating the soil, can also make it more difficult for certain weeds to establish themselves, as it reduces compaction and improves grass health.

While labor-intensive, hand-pulling weeds is the most organic and eco-friendly method, as it avoids chemicals altogether and ensures that you’re targeting weeds without harming surrounding grass. 

Natural Weed Killers 

For those who prefer a more eco-friendly approach to weed control, natural options are available.

Using vinegar to kill weeds is a common and effective solution. White vinegar consists of acetic acid, which can kill various types of existing weeds.

However, it’s important to note that vinegar is non-selective, meaning it can harm your grass as well. To avoid damaging your lawn, apply vinegar carefully, targeting only the weeds and not the grass. 

In addition to vinegar as a natural weed killer, other natural methods like corn gluten meal can be used to block weed seeds from germinating thus it can be used as a natural pre-emergent herbicide.

Corn gluten meal is a great option for a non-toxic organic solution to keep your lawn free of weeds. It also adds nitrogen to the soil, which promotes grass growth.

However, it needs to be applied consistently over time to be effective.

Boiling Water and Table Salt

While these methods are not recommended for use on your own lawn, they can be effective for weed control in areas like driveways or sidewalks.

Boiling water will kill weeds quickly, while a solution of table salt can be used to permanently stop weeds from growing in hard-to-reach areas like cracks, crevices, along pathways, or between pavers.

Be cautious, as salt can permanently damage the soil, making it incredibly hard for plants to grow in that area again.

Proper Lawn Maintenance Practices

A thick, healthy lawn is your best defense against weed growth. A well-maintained lawn is better equipped to outcompete weeds for nutrients, sunlight, and water.

Follow these lawn care practices to encourage strong, healthy grass growth and reduce weed invasion:

Mow at the Correct Height

Cutting your grass too short stresses the lawn and gives weeds a better chance to establish.

In the Midwest, mowing your lawn at the proper height (around 3 to 4 inches) is ideal for most turf types, including Kentucky bluegrass and fescue. 

Taller grass can shade the ground, which reduces the likelihood of weed seeds germinating. Keeping your mower blades sharp and avoiding cutting too short will help promote a robust yard.  

Water Deeply and Infrequently

Watering your lawn deeply (about 1 to 1.5 inches per week) but infrequently will help promote a thick, healthy yard that crowds out weeds naturally by encouraging deeper root growth, making your grass more resilient to weed growth. 

Frequent, shallow watering encourages shallow roots and leaves your lawn more susceptible to weeds.

Fertilize Regularly

Regularly fertilizing your turf ensures that your grass has all the necessary nutrients it needs to grow strong to compete with any potential weed invaders.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients without causing excessive top growth, which can stress the grass. 

Aerate and Overseed

Aerating your lawn improves soil structure, reduces compaction, and allows water and nutrients to reach grass roots more effectively.

Overseeding, especially after aeration, helps fill in thin or bare patches, making it harder for weeds to establish.

Sprinkler System Management

Water management is crucial to promoting lawn grass health and discouraging weed growth. Installing or maintaining a sprinkler system ensures that your plants get consistent water without over-saturating the ground soil, which can encourage weed seeds to sprout. 

Common Weed Control Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to killing weeds, there are a few common mistakes homeowners make that can end up harming their grass:

Using non-selective weed killers

While products like Round-Up are powerful, they are non-selective and will kill grass along with the weeds. If your goal is to preserve your lawn, stick to selective herbicides. 

Applying weed killers on a sunny day

Avoid spraying weed killers during the heat of a sunny day, as the heat can cause chemicals to evaporate quickly, reducing their effectiveness.

Overusing salt or vinegar

While table salt and vinegar can be effective for spot treatments, using too much can damage the surrounding soil, making it harder for your grass to recover.

These methods should only be used in non-lawn areas like sidewalks or patios. 

Call in the Professionals, Call SunCo

Preventing weed growth is all about consistent care and using the right preventative measures such as applying pre-emergent herbicides and maintaining a thick, healthy lawn.

By staying on top of lawn maintenance, you’ll be able to permanently stop weeds from taking over your yard. 

While DIY weed control can be effective for small problems, larger infestations of perennial weeds, broad-leaf weeds, and invasive weeds often require professional intervention. 

At SunCo, we specialize in weed control solutions that target weeds, not grass. Our team offers services including:

• Custom weed control plans: We develop tailored plans to address the specific types of weeds in your lawn. We use a selective weed killer to target weeds while protecting your lawn and apply a pre-emergent weed killer to prevent future weed growth. 
• Fertilization programs and sprinkler system management: We offer expert guidance on proper mowing, fertilization, and irrigation to keep your lawn healthy and resilient. 
• Organic solutions: For environmentally conscious homeowners looking to avoid chemicals, we offer organic sustainable options and eco-friendly practices while achieving your desired lawn aesthetics. 

By working with SunCo, you can ensure your yard remains beautiful, vibrant, and weed-free all year round. 
Ready to take control of your yard and eliminate weeds?

Contact us today to learn more about our assortment of lawn care services! Call us at (402) 972-8603 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.