Surprise weeds in a newly seeded lawn

Controlling weeds in a newly seeded lawn can seem daunting, mainly when you've carried out all the necessary pre-sowing steps before planting your grass seed. We know it can be frustrating when new weeds start growing among your fresh new grass, but don't rush to what seems like the easiest solution -  you don't need to use weed killers just yet!

Using weed killer when your grass is still young is not a good idea - it will likely harm it and could even kill it!

Getting rid of weeds is easy, and we advise you to try mowing and removing them by hand before using weed killer in your newly seeded lawn!

The first mow will remove most weeds in your lawn

Thankfully, these early-appearing weeds are generally shallow-rooting and will likely be removed during the first mowing of your lawn. The first mowing is best done around 6-8 weeks after sowing your seeds. And if they reappear after this, they should be easy to remove from the soil using a trowel.

Raking or scarifying is also an excellent option to help remove moss from your garden. Using a rake or electric scarifier will help tidy up lawn areas prone to moss due to shade or low drainage.

When should I use weed and feed on my UK Lawn?

You can use a Feed, Weed and Moss Killer once 6-months have passed since you first sowed your grass seed. A lawn-feeding product like this tackles weeds and moss while also feeding your lawn to help it grow.

Our 3 IN 1 Lawn Rescue works in three steps to restore and revitalise your lawn. First, it feeds and strengthens your grass and beautifully transforms it, making it greener and more luscious. And at the same time, it kills weeds and moss, so all you see is healthy, vibrant grass in your garden.

Will Spray-on weed killer control weeds in a newly seeded lawn?

It’s better to avoid spray-on weed killers on a newly seeded lawn. But, if you still see weeds appearing after mowing, raking and troweling, you could consider spraying a selective weedkiller on small areas. Be careful when using spray-on weed killers since they will kill more than just weeds and can often do more harm than good!

Always follow instructions when using spray-on weed killers and only spray on the target areas. Also, do not spray on plants or flowers, especially wildflowers. Wildflowers are a valuable food source for bees and pollinators, and we don’t want to harm their livelihood!

Tips for controlling weeds in a newly seeded lawn:

Don't panic; let your lawn develop before tackling weeds

• Don’t use a Feed, Weed and Moss Killer product on a newly seeded lawn
• Wait until your grass has grown fully before digging and pulling out weeds.

Mow your lawn and pull weeds out by hand

• Wait until 6-8 weeks have passed since you sowed the seeds, and then you can mow the lawn.
• These early-appearing weeds are shallow-rooting plants that can be removed by mowing your lawn.
• Generally, mowing will get rid of them.
• But if this doesn’t solve the problem, the remaining weeds can easily be pulled out by hand or dug out using a hand trowel.

You can use Feed, Weed and Moss killer six months after sowing

• If your lawn is experiencing an overgrowth of weeds after six months have passed since the grass began growing, then you can use a Feed, Weed and Moss killer lawn feed product.
• This product will feed your grass, strengthening it and combat weeds and moss at the same time.

Persistent weeds may require more

• Persistent and reoccurring weeds can often require a bit extra effort to remove.
• Using a selective spray-on herbicide to spot-treat them should stop their growth.
• Be careful when using these treatments as they can damage your grass also
• Always follow the safety instructions when using weed killers

Control Weeds by mowing and pulling out by hand

As we have mentioned, mowing and pulling weeds out by hand while avoiding weed and moss killers are the best ways to control weeds in a newly seeded lawn.

Tackling weeds and moss the moment they appear will seem like the best approach, but taking things slower is generally better. A newly seeded lawn is not as strong as a fully developed one, and taking early steps to remove weeds can do more harm than good. Allowing your lawn to grow strong will also help avoid common lawn problems and help you look after your lawn correctly.