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A person pulls a yellow dandelion from green grass. Nearby, gardening gloves rest on the ground. Bright, sunny day scene depicted.

When Spring arrives, it’s important to get ahead of your weeds before they get out of control.

A person pulls a yellow dandelion from green grass. Nearby, gardening gloves rest on the ground. Bright, sunny day scene depicted.

Weeding Tips for a Healthy Lawn

Start Early & Stay Consistent

  • Begin weeding in early spring before weeds go to seed.
  • Pull or treat weeds weekly to prevent them from establishing.
  • Weed After Rain or Watering
  • Wet soil makes it easier to pull weeds out completely, roots and all.
  • Dry soil tends to break roots, allowing weeds to regrow.

Use the Right Tools

  • Use a dandelion digger or similar hand tool to remove deep-rooted weeds from the lawn.
  • For large areas, consider a weeding tool designed specifically for turf.

Remove the Roots

  • Don’t just snap the top off—remove the full root system to stop regrowth.

Don’t Let Weeds Go to Seed

  • A single weed can produce thousands of seeds.
  • Remove flowering weeds immediately—even if you can’t pull the roots, cutting off the tops helps reduce spread.
  • Tip: You can mow the lawn with a bagging mower to collect the seeds before they drop and spread further.

Mow High, Mow Often

  • Keep mower blades at about 3 inches—taller grass shades the soil and suppresses weeds.
  • Frequent mowing helps prevent weeds from flowering and seeding.

Spot Treat with Herbicide

  • Use a selective post-emergent herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds but won’t harm your grass.
  • In Nova Scotia, Weed B Gon is a popular option for killing broadleaf weeds, especially dandelions and clovers.
  • For a stronger option, Fiesta Weed Control is effective for broadleaf weed control but is available only to commercial applicators. These commercial applicators, such as Armdale Lawn Care, have access to more powerful weed killers that can be applied broadcast over the entire lawn, improving effectiveness by covering a larger area at once.
  • For organic control, vinegar-based sprays may work on small, young weeds—but use caution, as they can harm grass too.

Plant Grass in Bare Spots

  • fter removing weeds, remember that bare spots left behind can quickly become a new home for weeds to germinate. It’s important to reseed these areas with grass to help crowd out the weeds and prevent them from re-establishing.

A Note on Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

One key lesson from Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the importance of creating a healthy, competitive lawn that can naturally resist weeds. By focusing on improving soil health, mowing properly, and using targeted treatments, you can reduce weed pressure while minimizing the need for broad-spectrum chemical control. IPM helps create a balanced approach, promoting long-term lawn health and reducing reliance on pesticides.

Common Lawn Weeds in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, a few weeds tend to be particularly common in lawns:

  • Dandelion: Recognizable by its yellow flowers, dandelions have deep taproots and spread quickly if not removed properly.
  • Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy): A low-growing, spreading perennial with round, dark green leaves, often seen in shaded areas.
  • Crabgrass: This grassy weed thrives in warmer months and can quickly spread throughout your lawn.
  • Plantain: Broad-leaved weed that grows in compacted soil, often appearing in lawns with poor drainage.
  • Clovers: While sometimes seen as a desirable part of a lawn, clovers can take over if left unchecked and can be invasive in some areas.