Looking for Weed Killer that Won't Kill Grass

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Driftingmist from Quesnel, B.C.

Natural Weed Control

Q: When I moved into my house in 2000, I had a flawless St. Augustine yard. I choose not to use chemicals so I am looking for a natural recipe or product that will kill weeds and not my grass. The grass is thatchy and has browning spots with more and more weeds every year. I only have used Hasta Gro Lawn Feed so far. It helps some but my yard is getting uglier every year.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Saradise from Waco, Texas A: Driftingmist and Saradise,

Because you're essentially both asking the same question, I'm going to answer both questions together.

Driftingmist,

While I can't say exactly what the big boys use, I'm not aware of any weed killers (natural or synthetic) that will kill weeds while sparing grass and ornamental plants.

Saradise,

Feeding your yard is great, but a few more steps are needed if you ever hope to restore your lawn to its former glory.

If the both of you desire a weed-free lawn, try the following tips:

1. Find out which types of weeds are invading your lawn so you can plan an effective strategy. For example, certain broadleaf weeds thrive in heavy, compact soil. Aerating your lawn can discourage them from taking hold.

2. Mow high. Encourage grass to crowd out the weeds by waiting until grass is 4 1/2 inches tall and then cutting it to no shorter than 3 inches. Many people balk at this and it's hard to get used to at first, but it really works. Cutting grass shorter ( more than 1/3 of the blade) only stresses it out and gives encroaching weeds the advantage. Also, keep you lawnmower blades sharp.

3. Leave clippings on your lawn. They act like a fertilizer.

4. Aerate your lawn. Ideally, this is done by renting a core aerator (best), but it can also be done by hand with a pitchfork or by foot when wearing aerating sandals. What you're shooting for is dime-sized holes every few inches to reverse the effects of soil compaction. Aeration allows moisture to reach the root zone and provides a place where grass seed favors sprouting. Most homeowners vastly under estimate the effects aerating has on the health of their lawn.

5. Add 1/4 layer of compost to the lawn in the fall. In a few days it will work its way down into the grass and you won't even see it. Your lawn will love you for it next spring.

6. Hand-pull weeds when possible or look for weed-specific hand tools to help do this. Reseed bare patches.

7. Overseed thin areas in the fall (mid-August to mid-September). Make sure you use the appropriate grass seed to your light conditions and intended use.

8. Spot spray vinegar in sidewalk cracks.

If you're patient, in a few seasons your lawn will be lush and virtually weed-free and you'll be spending a lot less on chemicals. A lawn that is about 15% weeds will look weed-free to the average observer.

Ellen

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Archives: Request: Looking for Weed Killer that Won't Kill Grass Archived on 05/12/2005 We've got a lot of weeds (dandelions, et cetera) that are nearly taking over the yard, but we've also got a dog, so chemical weed killers are out. Are there any effective weed killers (that won't kill the grass too) that are also safe for dogs? Rachel from Iowa Answers: - - 05/18/2004 Last year a friend recommended using a triple 16 fertilizer. Each fertilizer has its "code" of how much minerals, etc. is in it. Find one that is 16-16-16 and lime. When we bought our house two years ago, the first summer we fought huge weeds and dandelions. Last summer we only had a few tiny ones and that was at the end probably when the fertilizer, etc. had done it's job. I was told to mix them together, but I placed one in my push lawn seeder and adjusted the setting to a smaller setting and did one then the other. Just remember to use at least an allergy mask because it is dangerous to get in your eyes and lungs. We had nice plush green grass and almost no dandelions and absolutely no weeds all year last year. By Tawnda - - 05/19/2004 We use the vinegar and dish soap all the time but I think it will kill grass too. We use a 1-2 gallon spray canister with a pump and nozzle. Fill up nearly all the way with vinegar and add about a cup of dish soap. The vinegar kills the weeds. The dish soap is used to help the vinegar stick to the weed. - - 11/18/2004 Weed n feed is harmful to your trees. If you are using weed n feed, avoid anything under the drip line of your trees. There is an organic product on the market for weeds called Finale. You can spray it on your yard twice a year for 2 years, then once a year every year after. It's way better for your trees and the environment. By Kim (Guest Post) - - 04/12/2005 How about bleach as a weed killer? By rogbet - - 04/12/2005 Bleach will definitely kill weeds but also everything else it comes in contact with including the grass. I wouldn't recommend it. Susan from ThriftyFun By Thrifty_Fun - - 05/13/2005 Check out www.gardensalive.com. Click on the "Lawn Care" link at the left side of the page. On the resulting page You'll see links for Original WOW! and for WOW! Plus. WOW is a byproduct of corn syrup production, and controls germination of broadleaf weeds like dandelions and crabgrass, but it's not poisonous so you can let your dogs out right after it's been applied. WOW Plus is the original stuff plus a balanced all-natural fertilizer. I love the products from Gardens Alive because they're environmentally responsible. And no, I am not affiliated with them in any way (except as a customer), so I'm not saying this to get a commission. :-) By sunhat - - 05/15/2005 I read spreading 16-16-16 fertilizer and then going over the lawn with lime will kill weeds and help the grass flourish. Have yet to find 16-16-16 fertilizer. By Fran Marie (Guest Post) - - 06/08/2005 It is called "Burnout" and it is organic. Go to their web site http://www.commonsensecare.com It is pet safe and environmentally friendly By Christine (Guest Post) - - 08/07/2005 Apple Cider Vinegar works good on weeds not grass By Bill (Guest Post) - - 10/14/2005 I have been developing weed killers and fertilizer for over 40 years. at the moment there is NOTHING environmentally safe that kills weeds and not grass. The product Burn out is vinegar and clove oil. It kills everything green. A better product is Perfectly Natural Weed and Grass Killer. It does a better job of killing everything green. The secret has always been get a health lawn and you will not have weeds. Fertilize with a good fertilizer 3 times a year. Remember that the Fall fertilization is the most important one By dave199 Report Spam or Abuse