Home Lawn and Weed Control Natural Grass Control: Get Rid of Grass Without Herbicides

Natural Grass Control: Get Rid of Grass Without Herbicides

by Gregory
3 minutes read

Natural Grass Control: Hate Herbicides but Dislike Grass Weeds More

Introduction

If you’re tired of herbicides but still want to get rid of unwanted grass, there are plenty of natural ways to do it. With a little effort and some household items, you can kill grass without introducing chemicals into your yard.

Solarizing Grass

One of the best ways to kill grass naturally is to use the sun’s heat. This method is perfect for larger areas.

  1. Cut the grass to a short length.
  2. Cover the area with clear or black plastic.
  3. Use rocks, soil staples, or boards to hold the plastic down.

It can take a few weeks to a month for the roots to die completely. Once they’re dead, remove the covering and turn over or remove the dead sod.

Boiling Water and Horticultural Vinegar

If you have a smaller area of grass to kill, boiling water or horticultural vinegar can be effective.

Boiling Water:

  1. Pour boiling water over the grass plants.
  2. Repeat every few days until no greening is observed.

Horticultural Vinegar:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid).
  2. Direct the stream of vinegar onto the grass plants.
  3. You may need to repeat again in a week.

Sheet Composting

Sheet composting, also known as lasagna gardening, is a great way to kill grass while improving your soil.

  1. Mow or weed-whack the area.
  2. Cover with cardboard or several layers of newspaper.
  3. Water to moisten it well.
  4. Top with a thick layer of compost and several inches of bark mulch.

Over time, the newspaper layer will smother and kill the grass, while the mulch and compost will break down the paper and add nutrients to the soil. In a few months, you’ll have a weed-free bed ready to plant.

Tips for Success

  • Be patient. Natural grass killing methods can take time to work.
  • Be consistent. Repeat treatments as needed to ensure the grass is completely dead.
  • Water the area well before applying any treatments.
  • Avoid using these methods on windy days, as the treatments can be easily dispersed.
  • If you have a large area of grass to kill, consider renting a sod cutter to remove the grass and roots.

Conclusion

Killing grass naturally is possible with a little effort and patience. By using the methods described in this article, you can get rid of unwanted grass without resorting to herbicides. Your lawn and the environment will thank you for it!

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