Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Whitethorn, CA

Several tools exist that can help remove unwanted grass. The one you choose depends greatly on how much you need to remove and how hard you'd like to work. A sod or turf cutter is the fastest method while using a shovel is labor-intensive and much slower. You may also need a garden rake, tiller, and wheelbarrow. 

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.

Landscaping fabric can only help to prevent weed growth in the short term. It's not an ideal long-term solution because dirt will eventually make its way on top of it, causing weeds to sprout. These fabrics can also leave microplastics in the environment for many, many years, so pulling weeds using one of the methods in this guide as soon as you see them is a better long-term prevention strategy.

Weed control applications usually cost around $100 each for a standard-size yard, and most professionals charge between $30 and $60 per hour for manual weed removal. Your total is affected most by the size of the weeded area. Some weed service companies offer weed control treatments, selective herbicide spraying, and manual removal and upkeep as part of a package, costing around $600 annually. You might pay less if you hire the same company for other lawn services, like flower bed upkeep, aeration, overseeding, and pesticide application.