Weeds will be popping up more and more on lawns across the nation in spring and summer as they are notorious for flourishing during these seasons. These unwelcome plants, with life cycles that span annual, biennial, or perennial, can prove quite challenging to manage on domestic greenswards. While chemical solutions exist for weed eradication, Peter Chaloner, Cobra’s managing director and gardening expert, illuminates the path to a more natural and “most effective way” of removal.

Weeds aren’t always unsightly; sometimes they’re just ordinary wildflowers growing where they’re not desired, disrupting the vision of a pristine, well-maintained lawn. To achieve a garden of envy, Peter advised against the allure of quick fixes like harmful chemicals, boiling water, or white vinegar - these carry the risk of collateral damage to the grass.

Instead, he recommends a hands-on approach: “Removing weeds is the first step in achieving the perfect lawn. Avoid using chemicals, boiling water and white vinegar that are rumoured to work, as you run the risk of killing the surrounding grass and doing more harm than good.”

He added that the tried-and-true method involves getting down and dirty: “The more effective way is to simply dig. Take a hand trowel, or even a specialised weeding trowel, and dig around the weed, but be sure to get deep under the root to make sure it is entirely removed and will not come back.”

For particular varieties like dandelions, broad-leaved docks, and plantain, which boast deep taproots, removing just the foliage won’t cut it; full root extraction is essential to prevent pesky regrowth.

Some weeds are much more invasive than others, capable of sprouting from small fragments and creating extensive underground networks.

Once weeds have been eliminated, it’s vital to keep them at bay with a robust lawn care routine. Peter recommends starting with scarifying the lawn to clear away dead grass and debris that hampers airflow to the grass roots, followed by aeration to promote circulation.

For lawns plagued with thistles or common ragwort, consistent mowing can be an effective control method.

Peter suggested: “Mow throughout spring and summer little and often, and don't take too much off with the first cut so as not to shock the grass.”

Before starting to mow, ensure your lawnmower has a clippings bag or box to prevent the dispersal of weed seeds, leading to potential regrowth.

Persistent removal of seeds and plant cutting will gradually weaken the weeds, decreasing their seeding capability. Over time, this method significantly reduces the presence of weeds on the lawn.