How to Kill Weeds in Your Lawn
Last updated September 7, 2023
Weeds love to invade lawns, especially broadleaf weeds. Luckily for you, their foliage is visibly different from your turf grass, allowing you to recognize the weeds and spot treat them immediately.
Today’s broadleaf weed killers take care of the job and eliminate the need to hand weed. They are applied where the leaves enter the plant and travel all the way to the root tips. This kills the whole weed and keeps it from coming back while the grass remains healthy and green.
Table of Contents
How to Spray Weeds
Prevent Weeds Early in the Season
How to Spray Weeds
- Wait until your weeds are actively growing so the herbicide, or weed killer, is immediately taken into the leaves as plants “breathe.”
- Select a liquid product designated for use with your lawn type. Some may not be suited to certain grasses, so just be sure yours isn’t one of the exceptions. If you aren’t sure, ask your Garden Center associate for help.
- Choose a completely calm day for the application, so the spray won’t drift onto other areas of the yard.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves.
- Read all the instructions on the container and prepare the product as directed.
- Store chemicals according to label instructions.
Prevent Weeds Early in the Season
In spring, prevent annual grassy weeds like crabgrass from taking root in your lawn by applying a pre-emergent weed killer. Spring application means weed seeds won’t germinate, and your lawn will be weed-free in summer.
Check labels, but you usually don’t need to worry about rain, snow or freezing temperatures coming down on your lawn after application – the elements will not usually affect a weed preventer's performance.
Follow label directions for season-long weed control that won't harm your lawn.
Look for "weed and feed" products that kill weeds and promote growth to crowd out future weeds. Check labels to purchase the right product for your type of grass. Learn more about the type of grass in your lawn.
Whether you need the right planters, seeds or potting soil, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.
