Weeds thrive in thin, short-mowed lawns on compacted soil. The most durable fix is a denser lawn: mow at 8 cm, fertilize appropriately, aerate and overseed in late summer. Pulling dandelions with the root still works. Crabgrass is best prevented with a dense lawn in spring.
Why weeds take hold
- Thin turf leaving bare soil
- Mowing too short, letting light reach the soil
- Compacted or poor soil
- Unsuitable pH: most lawns prefer 6 to 7
Methods that work
- Mow high, around 8 cm, to shade out seedlings.
- Thicken by overseeding in late summer.
- Aerate compacted soil.
- Fertilize on time, following our calendar.
- Pull dandelions with a root tool, ideally in moist soil.
- Accept some clover: it stays green and adds nitrogen.
Rules on products are summarized in lawn pesticides in Montreal.
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General information. Check your municipality’s pesticide rules before any treatment.