How Do I Prevent Weeds in My Lawn?

A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream — but nothing ruins that picture-perfect yard faster than unwanted weeds. In Edmonton and throughout Alberta, weeds thrive in lawns that are stressed, thin, or not properly maintained. While it may seem like an endless battle, preventing weeds is much easier (and more effective) than constantly trying to get rid of them after they appear.

Start with a healthy, thick lawn

The best defense against weeds is a dense, healthy lawn. When grass is thick and strong, it naturally crowds out weeds by blocking the sunlight and limiting space for them to grow. Achieving this starts with proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing practices.

• Mow at the right height: Keeping your lawn around 2.5 to 3 inches tall helps shade the soil, discouraging weed seeds from germinating. Learn more about proper mowing practices in our full post on the ideal mowing height for lawns in Edmonton.
• Water deeply, but not too often: Watering about 2–3 times per week for about 1 hour encourages deep root growth and strengthens your grass. See our other post on how often you should water your lawn in Alberta.
• Fertilize properly: Use high-quality, eco-friendly fertilizers to provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive without promoting excessive weed growth.

Overseed bare or thin spots

Thin or patchy areas are prime real estate for weeds. Overseeding these spots each spring or fall helps your lawn become denser and more resistant to weed invasion. Pair overseeding with aeration for the best results — this allows new seeds to establish strong roots and helps improve soil health.

Not sure when to overseed? Check out our detailed guide on when the best time to overseed your lawn in Edmonton is.

Use pre-emergent weed control

A pre-emergent herbicide can stop weeds before they even sprout. These treatments work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Timing is crucial: in Edmonton, pre-emergent applications are typically done in early spring before soil temperatures rise.

Practice proper watering techniques

Shallow, frequent watering weakens your lawn and encourages weed growth. Instead, water deeply and infrequently to help your grass develop a deep, robust root system that can outcompete weeds.

For more detailed guidance, check out our blog post on how often you should water your lawn in Alberta.

Keep up with regular maintenance

Regular lawn care tasks — like mowing, cleaning up debris, and aerating — help prevent weeds by reducing stress on your grass and improving soil health. A well-maintained lawn is less likely to suffer from weed infestations and is better equipped to resist pests and disease.

Leave it to the pros

Preventing weeds takes knowledge, consistency, and the right approach. At Neighbourhood Heroes, we specialize in eco-friendly lawn care that keeps your lawn thick, healthy, and weed-free without harsh chemicals.

Ready to enjoy a beautiful, hassle-free lawn, where mowing, fertilizing, and other lawn care needs are taken care of? Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the lush, vibrant yard you’ve always wanted.