Garden Landscaping 11 Ways to Get Rid of Weeds, According to Experts Like sunshine and rain, weeds are just part of the gardening experience—but that doesn't mean you have to live with them. By Felicia Feaster Felicia Feaster Felicia Feaster has worked for the past 20-plus years as a lifestyle journalist. She specializes in writing about interior design, gardening, trends, culture, travel, and wellness. Editorial Guidelines Published on May 29, 2024 Close Photo: Getty Images If you have a lawn or garden, chances are you probably have weeds, too. The only positive thing about these fast-growing plants is that there are, luckily, a number of ways to get rid of them. From natural DIY methods like vinegar to more conventional approaches, there is no shortage of ways to control unwanted plants from overtaking your lawn and garden. Ahead, we spoke with experts to learn the best methods for getting rid of weeds. Zane Raudenbush, turf and herbicide specialist at The Davey Tree Expert Company’s Davey Institute, a company that provides large-scale horticultural and environmental services Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app Before You Start Weeds in your lawn: If you're dealing with weeds in your lawn, the first step is ensuring your lawn is as healthy as possible, says Zane Raudenbush, a turf and herbicide specialist at The Davey Tree Expert Company’s Davey Institute. "The most effective way to get rid of weeds is to create a lawn environment where they struggle to thrive," says Raudenbush. "Low-mowed grass, compacted soil, and water-deprived turf create opportunities for weeds to establish." Weeds in garden beds: It’s also important to know what kind of weeds you are dealing with since the weed variety and where they are popping up will be factors in how you treat them. "In garden beds, broadleaf weeds (like dandelions and chickweed) and grassy types (such as crabgrass and foxtail) compete directly with vegetables and flowers for nutrients, water, and sunlight," says Raudenbush. "Effective methods for controlling these include hand pulling, which is easier in the loose soil of garden beds, and mulching." One critical piece of advice: Don’t think when you pull up visible foliage that you are addressing the root issue. Getting the entire weed root is vital for making sure you nip the problem in the bud. Below are our experts' preferred strategies for getting rid of weeds effectively. 30 Common Weeds—and How to Control Them, According to Experts 01 of 11 Vinegar Natural weed killers like vinegar are one weed control tactic you probably already have in your pantry. But since vinegar will injure any plants it comes into contact with, this all-natural weedkiller is best for spot treatments in gardens and for eradicating weeds growing in cracks and crevices, says Raudenbush. "For best results, choose vinegar with an acetic acid content higher than the standard 5 percent,” he says. Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, likes to mix vinegar with a small amount of dish soap and salt to aid in combatting weeds. This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Unwanted Plants 02 of 11 Mowing Keeping your lawn healthy is one way to keep weeds at bay. "Regularly mowing your lawn at the correct height (2.5 to 3.5 inches) is a simple yet effective way to prevent weeds from going to seed and to promote dense grass growth," says Raudenbush. How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? Experts Weigh In 03 of 11 Mulching beekeepx / Getty Images Applying mulch, whether pine straw or wood chips in your garden beds, not only looks good, but it blocks sunlight, which prevents weed germination. "Be cautious not to over-mulch though, which can lead to more slugs and snails," says Spoonemore. "It can also limit airflow for desirable plants, potentially causing root rot or other diseases." Some gardeners like to use mulch with herbicide mixed in to further ensure weeds don’t have a fighting chance of sprouting. 04 of 11 Aeration and Over-Seeding If you are experiencing weeds in your lawn, sometimes the best remedy is making your grass stronger and more resilient, says Raudenbush. This means making sure you are helping your lawn thrive with the proper seasonal approach. Raudenbush recommends seeding and aerating (if necessary) your lawn in the fall; fertilizing before winter; using a pre-emergent herbicide and hand-picking weeds in spring; and mowing your lawn regularly in the spring and summer, using a sharpened blade and cutting no more than one-third of the grass height at a time. 4 Natural Ways to Kill Weeds—and Keep Them From Coming Back 05 of 11 Weeding Tools There are several specialty tools available to help deal with weeds. You could invest in a hori hori knife, a hand trowel, an electric string trimmer, or any of the number of handy tools available to make the task of weeding a little easier. "My favorite is the Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Tool because it works wonders for getting those difficult-to-pull weeds," says Spoonemore. Shop the 9 Products Martha Always Keeps in Her Gardening Bag 06 of 11 Baking Soda Like vinegar, baking soda is a natural solution to weeds. It works, says Raudenbush, by raising the salinity of the soil and by dehydrating weeds upon contact. "It's best used in areas like driveways, walkways, and patios where you don't want any plants to grow," says Raudenbush. "Care should be taken with the amount used, as excessive salinity can harm surrounding soil and plants." 07 of 11 Hand-Pulling Philippe S. Giraud / Getty Images One of the most sustainable (not to mention satisfying) tactics for handling weeds is simply pulling them out by hand, which works best in garden beds. "This method is more labor-intensive and time-consuming but effective for a small area. It's also an effective way to target weeds with precision and no use of chemicals," says Spoonemore. Experts advise hand-pulling weeds after a rain, which loosens the soil and makes the job much easier. What to Do With Weeds After You Pull Them, According to Gardening Experts 08 of 11 Boiling Water Boiling water is another natural, eco-friendly weed remedy. "It scalds and kills weed leaves," says Spoonemore. "It requires repeated applications but is an environmentally responsible choice for weed control." Just be aware that boiling water is not indiscriminate and may harm nearby plants with which it comes into contact. 09 of 11 Smothering Use landscape fabric, plastic, or newspaper spread over weed-infested sections of your garden to deprive weeds of sunlight. You can cover the material with mulch for a more aesthetic look. 15 Invasive Weeds That Are So Pretty, You Might Mistake Them for Flowers 10 of 11 Post-Emergent Herbicides When all else fails, you may decide to turn to commercial herbicides. These products are designed to kill or inhibit weed growth but must be applied prudently and carefully to keep them from spreading to other plants, says Raudenbush. Selecting the right kind of herbicide is important—post-emergent herbicides are used for existing weeds. Raudenbush recommends following the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and application of herbicides and says you should apply herbicide during calm weather with no wind to keep it from drifting. Chickweed, a low-growing annual, is one weed that can be managed with post-emergent herbicides. 11 of 11 Pre-Emergent Herbicides While we prefer trying natural methods first, some may choose to use pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent seeds from germinating—essentially stamping out the problem before it becomes a problem. Crabgrass, an annual grassy weed, is one weed that can be controlled with pre-emergent herbicides in early spring. How to Kill Crabgrass in Your Lawn Once and for All Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit