Types of weed control

Non-chemical control

One method is to simply dig them out. Dandelion, daisy and plantain can be dug out with a handfork. The advantages are that they are immediately gone and the bare patch can start recovering. Feeding, aerating and scarifying will help encourage the grass to grow stronger and make it difficult for the weeds. As long as you don’t mow too closely, weeds will find it difficult to establish themselves.

Chemical control

Spring is the time to apply a weedkiller when the grass and weeds are growing vigorously. Where moss is a problem, combine this with a moss-killer. Selective post-emergent herbicides target certain types of plants, like perennial broad leaf weeds like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and plantain (Plantago major) or annual weeds, but don't harm turf grass. Perennial weeds return every year. Apply the weed killer on a still day when the air temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and no rain is forecast for 48 hours.

Weed killers are most effective when applied evenly over the entire lawn, unless the weed killer isn't selective. Read the label carefully and follow the directions when applying weed killers. Non-selective weed killers are harmful to most plants, including turfgrass. Apply a non-selective weed killer as a spot treatment, spraying it on individual weeds or patches of weeds. Selective weed killers include granules, wettable powders and liquids. To achieve an even spread of weed killer granules, apply a granular weed killer with a rotary or drop spreader. Mix a weed killer powder with water according to the dilution rate displayed on the label, and spray the lawn evenly with the solution. Agitate the spray tank regularly to prevent the suspended particles from sinking to the bottom of the tank. Apply a liquid weed killer with a compressed air sprayer or hose end sprayer to achieve an even coverage.

More information

> First cut of the year
> How to maintain a healthy lawn?
> Royal Horticultural Society