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The fastest ways to kill weeds and unwanted grass include burning them, pouring boiling water on them, or pulling them out by hand, as these methods work almost instantaneously. For a quick-acting solution that works within a few hours, you can use a commercial-grade herbicide like glyphosate or a DIY vinegar, salt, and dish soap mixture. While effective, be aware that commercial herbicides introduce chemicals into your lawn. The slowest method for killing weeds is to starve them of sunlight and nutrients using mulch or fabric covers.

A spot herbicide for weed control is effective at killing crabgrass and not grass, but it depends on the type of herbicide. Always check the label to ensure that your herbicide is safe for grass but tough on crabgrass. Overall, spot treatment is ideal because it puts fewer herbicides into the soil, which can damage the soil. If you’re wanting a natural remedy to crabgrass that also won’t harm surrounding grass, you can also hand-remove crabgrass or even pour boiling water or 5% vinegar over crabgrass as a spot treatment.

Due to its slow growth, Bahia grass does not generally take over weeds. In fact, the opposite can be true. Young Bahia grass is susceptible to being taken over by weeds. 

Likewise, in the cool season, Bahia grass goes into a dormant state that can allow weeds that thrive in early spring to get the upper hand. If you want to prevent weeds from taking over your yard, remove them by hand or apply a Bahia grass-friendly pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn before weeds have a chance to appear.

Burning is not a recommended method for controlling foxtail grasses. In a large pasture scenario, the fire moves too quickly through the weeds to effectively burn and kill the seeds, meaning they will resprout eventually. If your lawn is overrun with foxtails, it’s best to consult a lawn care professional for suggestions on how to permanently remove it from your property.