What Kills Weeds Permanently Naturally? A Short Guide

While chemical weed-killing products may seem like a quick solution, harsh chemicals often harm beneficial plants and disrupt the natural ecosystem.

Fortunately, there are effective natural ways to kill weeds permanently, supporting a more sustainable approach to lawn care.

Natural ways to kill weeds include using vinegar, boiling water, and, surprisingly, even hand pulling. But there’s more to these methods than meets the eye. Learn more about them below.

Why Learning How to Kill Weeds -Naturally- Matters

Weeds are invasive plants that thrive in disrupted environments. They are opportunistic and will take advantage of any bare or weak spots in your lawn.

In the Midwest, common weed varieties include dandelions, crabgrass, clover, and thistle. These plants spread quickly and can be difficult to remove once they establish a foothold.

Using chemical herbicides to kill weeds may provide temporary relief, but these weed-killing products often contain toxins in their chemical makeup that can harm the environment and kill grass.  

Pesticides contain harsh chemicals that can leach into the soil, pollute water sources, and harm beneficial organisms like earthworms and bees.

Furthermore, over time, weeds can develop resistance to chemical treatments, making them harder to eliminate.

By focusing on natural weed killers, you can protect your lawn’s health while fostering an eco-friendly environment. Here’s how you can achieve that.

Mulching: A Natural Weed Barrier

One of the simplest and most effective natural methods to prevent weeds from growing is through mulching.

Mulch acts as a physical barrier, blocking weed seeds from absorbing sunlight. Without sunlight, weeds cannot germinate.

Organic mulches, such as wood chips, lawn clippings, or straw and seedless hay, also help improve the health of your soil by retaining moisture and slowly releasing nutrients as they decompose.

This dual function makes mulch an ideal choice for killing weeds and lawn health.

How to apply mulch properly:

• Spread a layer of two to four inches of organic mulch over bare soil or around trees and flower beds.
• Ensure the mulch is not packed too tightly as this could prevent water from entering the soil.
• Reapply mulch annually to maintain effectiveness.

By keeping your lawn covered, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of weeds sprouting. Mulching is a service that SunCo offers if you’d rather not do it yourself.

Hand Pulling and Hoeing: Old but Gold

Hand-pulling weeds and hoeing are among the most traditional methods of natural weed control, but they remain highly effective when done correctly.

For weeds that have already sprouted, hand-pulling weeds is one of the best ways to ensure they don’t return.

Tips for successfully hand-pulling weeds:

• Pull weeds after a rainfall or watering when the soil is moist but not saturated. This will make it easier to remove the entire root system.
• Use a hand weeder tool to get to the root of deep-growing weeds like dandelions.
• Always aim to remove the whole plant, roots, and all. If even a small piece of root is left behind, the weed may regrow.

For large areas, using a hoe can make the process quicker. Regular hoeing prevents weeds from maturing and going to seed, reducing their ability to spread.

Vinegar Method: The Natural Weed Killer

Vinegar, particularly horticultural vinegar with a higher acetic acid content (20% or more) compared to white vinegar with lower acetic acid concentration (4 to 5%), is a powerful natural weed killer.

It, as well as household vinegar, works by dehydrating the leaves and stems of the weeds. Combined with table salt (sodium chloride) and dish soap, it can be used in killing weeds permanently.

How to use vinegar for weed control to kill weeds permanently:

• Mix horticultural vinegar with a few drops of dish soap to improve adherence to the weeds.
• Add salt (sodium chloride) to make a table salt solution.
• Directly apply the horticultural vinegar solution to the weeds using a spray bottle on a sunny day, ensuring the mixture doesn’t come into contact with nearby plants.

While vinegar is effective at killing weeds, it can also harm grass, soil, and surrounding plants, so apply it carefully and only spray these homemade weed-killer recipes at the weeds directly.

Boiling Water: Quick and Easy

One of the most simple and natural methods to kill weeds is pouring hot boiling water directly onto them. This method is especially powerful for weeds that grow between cracks on sidewalks, driveways, or patios.

How to use boiling water to kill weeds permanently:

• Boil water using a kettle and carefully pour it over the weeds.
• Focus on the weed’s base to ensure the hot water reaches the weed roots.
• Repeat as necessary for stubborn weeds.

Boiling water works by scalding the plant, causing it to die off within a few hours. It’s a quick and easy way to handle small areas of weed growth.

You should ensure the boiling water doesn’t reach any desired plants or the vegetable garden.  

Corn Gluten Meal: A Preventive Measure

Corn gluten meal is an all-natural pre-emergent herbicide that works by inhibiting weed seed growth.

It is also rich in nitrogen, which acts as an organic fertilizer, benefiting your lawn’s health. It’s particularly effective against annual broad-leaf weeds.

How to apply corn gluten meal to kill weeds naturally:

• Spread this weed killer evenly over your lawn in early spring before the seed germination starts.
• Gently dampen the soil to stimulate the corn gluten’s natural properties.
• Avoid applying it during seeding as it will prevent grass seeds from growing as well.

This is an excellent option for maintaining a weed-free lawn while promoting healthy grass growth.

Smothering Weeds with Landscape Fabric

Landscape fabric is a physical barrier that prevents seeds from sprouting by blocking light. While it’s not a permanent solution, it’s a highly effective temporary fix for particularly weedy areas.

How to apply landscape fabric to kill weeds naturally:

• Lay down landscape fabric over areas where weeds are prevalent such as garden beds or paths.
• Secure the fabric with stakes or pins and cover it with mulch or gravel for additional protection.

Over time, weeds may start growing through any gaps, but regular maintenance will keep them at bay.

Landscape fabric is especially useful in areas where existing weeds are out of control, as it helps you regain control of your lawn.

Partner with SunCo the Sustainable Lawn Care Provider

Eliminating weeds naturally requires diligence and the right techniques but the long-term benefits far outweigh the effort.

For residents and businesses in the Midwest, partnering with a lawn care service that prioritizes sustainability can make all the difference.

At SunCo, we specialize in eco-friendly lawn care solutions, offering weed control, lawn maintenance, fertilization, and sprinkler system management that keep your lawn lush, green, and healthy.

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