Quick Answer: What’s More Important—Killing Weeds or Growing Grass?
Long‑term, lawn health beats constant weed chasing.
Weed control products are helpful, but if your:
- Mowing height is too low
- Fertilizing is poor
- Watering is shallow or inconsistent
- Overseeding is neglected
…then new weeds will keep filling the gaps.
Mowing as Weed Control
Q: How does mowing affect weeds?
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Mowing too short exposes soil and helps weed seeds germinate
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Mowing at 2.5–3 inches:
- Shades the soil
- Encourages deeper turf roots
- Makes it harder for weeds to compete
Fertilizing for a Thick Lawn
Q: Why does fertilizing matter for weed control?
Under‑fed grass:
- Thins out
- Leaves open spaces weeds love
A proper fertilizing plan:
- Keeps turf dense
- Helps it recover from stress
- Reduces the need for constant herbicide use
Watering and Roots
Q: How does watering help with weed prevention?
- Deep, infrequent watering helps grass develop deep roots
- Shallow watering favours weeds that tolerate stress and shallow soil
Aim for:
- About 1 inch of water per week in dry periods
- Fewer, deeper watering sessions
Overseeding as Weed Prevention
Q: Why overseed if I already have grass?
Older lawns:
- Gradually thin out
- Lose vigour if you never add new plants
Overseeding:
- Fills thin areas
- Improves colour and density
- Leaves fewer openings for weeds to establish
Lawn Health vs Weed Sprays FAQs
Q: Can I rely on weed killers alone?
A: You can reduce weeds, but if you don’t improve mowing, fertilizing, watering, and overseeding, new weeds will keep replacing the ones you kill.
Q: Do thick, healthy lawns still get some weeds?
A: Yes, but far fewer. And they’re easier to manage with spot treatments and hand‑pulling.
