How do I get rid of leafy weeds in my grass?

Suzanne D. - National Garden Association Expert EXPERT September 09, 2009

There are many leafy weeds that can infiltrate lawns. You can try some organic herbicides -- these degrade quickly once they're exposed to sun and rain. Follow label directions carefully. You can also hand dig the weeds, but that's a big job if there are lots of them. Providing your lawn with ideal growing conditions can help it crowd out weeds. Have you ever core-aerated? If the soil underneath your lawn is compacted, rent a core-aerator that pulls out small plugs of soil (or hire a landscaper to do this). Then, apply a thin layer of compost over the entire lawn to help nurture a healthy soil ecosystem. Test your soil's pH, too, because too acid or too alkaline a soil can cause grass to struggle and weeds to flourish. Lawn grasses falter if an area is too shady; consider alternative ground covers if this is the case. Finally, areas that stay too wet can also encourage weed problems, since grass will struggle there, too. You may be able to fix drainage problems, or plant water-loving plants rather than grass. If you can focus on building healthy turf, you may be able to crowd out the weeds without resorting to chemical sprays.