How to get rid of weeds in grass the organic way

by Carolyn Kay 03/23/2025

Every homeowner with a lawn will someday wonder how to get rid of weeds in grass. Among the many trials of lawn maintenance, weed removal and control is likely the most universal. While a healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds appearing in the first place, knowing methods for dealing with them is crucial.

Digging weeds

While definitely the most laborious method, physically removing lawn weeds is the most effective way to keep them away. Using the right gardening tools and techniques, you can target and kill weeds in specific areas of your lawn.

Always pull weeds from the roots using a tool such as a sickle blade. Perennial weeds are more easily removed early in the spring before they’ve had a chance to build strong root systems.

Organic herbicides

Organic herbicides are an excellent option to kill weeds permanently. However, many herbicides can also kill your lawn grass, so make sure to read instructions carefully and apply only as needed.

Corn gluten is one organic herbicide that can prevent specific types of weeds from growing roots. Acetic acid and horticultural white vinegar also make exceptional weed killer, but will only affect the weeds above the surface.

DIY Weed killers

For a simple homemade weed killer, try boiling water. Once heated to at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit, water can kill existing weeds and prevent new weeds from growing. This is a particularly good option for treating cracks and edges of sidewalks, driveways and pathways.

Plain dish soap, apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt also work as DIY weed killers when mixed with water. If you have a recurring weed problem, these methods can be helpful for saving time and keeping your costs down in between other larger treatments.

Weed control is part of proper lawn care. You can control weeds with frequent lawn care, monitoring weed growth and removing lawn weeds with these organic and less caustic options. If you happen to have particularly irritating and resistant weeds, try a lawn care professional for a healthy lawn who may have more tools to control more stubborn weeds.

About the Author

Carolyn Kay

As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.