How to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Lawn in Minooka: A Complete Guide

Weeds are a common problem in lawns, and while several factors can contribute to their presence, the most frequent cause is thin or weak grass. The key to eliminating weeds is to focus on strengthening your lawn, so weeds struggle to find space to grow.

A Holistic Approach to Weed Control

We take a holistic approach to lawn care. While diagnosing every single cause of weeds—such as nearby empty lots, compacted soil, or nutrient deficiencies—can be time-consuming, our strategy focuses on improving overall lawn health. The simplest and most effective question to ask is: How can I make my grass thicker?

When to Start Tackling Weeds in Your Lawn

The best time to start eliminating weeds depends on the season and how quickly you want to see results. For fast results, you can choose to re-sod your lawn. In as little as a weekend for a homeowner, or a day with a professional company, you can replace your lawn with fresh sod. Within a month, you'll have a lush, green lawn.

However, even with new sod, you'll need a fertilization and weed control program to manage emerging weeds as the grass matures.

Is Your Lawn Worth Saving?

As a general rule of thumb, if 50% or more of your lawn is still healthy grass, it’s worth trying to save it. Re-sodding or reseeding a lawn can be expensive and time-consuming, so preserving what you have is often the most cost-effective solution.

Weeds Are a Symptom of Poor Lawn Conditions

Weeds are typically a sign that your lawn is in poor health. A soil test is an excellent way to determine what’s wrong. By measuring soil pH, as well as the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, you can better understand the needs of your lawn.

Step 1: Treat Your Lawn with Selective Herbicides

Once you've identified the underlying problems, the next step is to treat the entire lawn with a selective herbicide. A selective herbicide targets weeds without harming your grass, helping you get rid of the unwanted plants while protecting your lawn.

Understanding Different Types of Weeds

There are two main types of weeds you'll likely encounter in your lawn:

Broadleaf weeds (e.g., dandelions, clover)
Grassy weeds (e.g., crabgrass)

Most lawns have a bigger problem with broadleaf weeds, but both types can cause issues. It's important to choose the right herbicide based on the type of weeds you’re dealing with.

Step 2: Apply Fertilizer After Herbicide Treatment

After applying your herbicide, it's a good time to feed your lawn with a liquid or granular fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer based on the time of year and the results of your soil test.

Be sure to follow label instructions carefully, as some herbicides require you to wait up to four weeks before reseeding, while others allow reseeding immediately.

Step 3: Reseeding for a Thicker, Weed-Free Lawn

If large areas of your lawn are bare or thin, reseeding is essential. Here’s a quick guide to reseeding:

Prep the soil by raking and loosening the top layer.
Spread your grass seed evenly across the lawn.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or mulch.
Water regularly, ensuring the seeds stay moist.

It's also a good time to gently fertilize with an all-mineral fertilizer. This will help your existing lawn green up while supporting new growth.

Step 4: Ongoing Weed Control and Fertilization

Once your lawn has established, you can reapply herbicide to prevent new weeds from emerging. Always follow the label to avoid exceeding the maximum application rate for the season.

Depending on the time of year, it might also make sense to schedule an aeration and overseeding. Aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, which helps your lawn grow thicker and stronger, reducing the chances of weeds taking hold.

Conclusion: Weed Control Requires Patience and a Comprehensive Strategy

As you can see, getting rid of weeds is not always as simple as applying herbicide. It requires a multi-step approach that includes herbicide application, fertilization, reseeding, and ongoing maintenance. By strengthening your lawn, you can effectively crowd out weeds and create a healthy, vibrant lawn that requires less intervention over time.