Weed Control vs Lawn Health: Why Fertilizing and Mowing Right Beats Chasing Every Weed

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?

• Mowing too short exposes soil and helps weed seeds germinate

• 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.