How to Get Rid of Weeds and Crabgrass

Overview

Weeds including Digitaria, also known as crabgrass, drain nutrients and water from the soil, making it difficult for more desirable varieties of grass to grow in your lawn. Keeping your lawn free of weeds and crabgrass doesn't have to be an overwhelming project--they can be removed by employing a few simple, non-toxic methods.

Step 1

Identify the patches of weeds, including crabgrass, that you wish to pull from your lawn. For photos of crabgrass, see References.

Step 2

Pull unwanted weeds and crabgrass from your lawn by the roots if they have not overrun the area. Remove as much of the root as possible.

Step 3

Fill a clean spray bottle with white vinegar, then spray the weeds you are unable to pull. Do not let the spray drift onto desirable grass.

Step 4

For larger areas, spread newspaper on top of the weeds and crabgrass. Anchor the newspaper with bricks or other heavy objects and leave it in place for several weeks until the weeds have died.

Step 5

Sprinkle grass seed in the area formerly occupied by weeds to improve the uniformity of your lawn.