If you’re wondering how to get rid of yarrow in lawn, you’re not alone. This persistent perennial can quickly turn from a charming wildflower to a frustrating lawn weed, and tackling it requires a solid plan.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is tough. It spreads through aggressive underground rhizomes and seeds, outcompeting grass for nutrients and water. Its feathery leaves and flat-topped flower clusters might look nice in a meadow, but in a manicured lawn, they create uneven, patchy areas. The good news is that with persistence and the right methods, you can reclaim your turf.
How to Get Rid of Yarrow in Lawn
This main approach combines immediate action with long-term lawn health. You can’t just pull it once and forget it. A successful strategy involves removal, possible herbicide use, and improving your grass so it can fight back.
Understanding Your Enemy: Why Yarrow Moves In
Yarrow is a symptom of lawn stress. It thrives in conditions where your grass struggles. Before you start removing it, figure out why it’s there. This helps prevent it from comming back.
- Poor, Compacted Soil: Yarrow tolerates thin, compacted soil much better than most lawn grasses.
- Low Fertility: It survives in low-nitrogen soils where grass becomes thin and weak.
- Drought Conditions: Its deep roots access water that grass roots cannot, so it appears during dry spells.
- Frequent Close Mowing: This weakens grass but doesn’t faze low-growing yarrow.
Method 1: Manual Removal for Small Infestations
If you only have a few patches, hand-pulling can work. The key is to remove the entire root system. Yarrow’s rhizomes are white, creeping, and surprisingly tough.
- Water the area thoroughly the day before. This softens the soil and makes removal easier.
- Use a weeding tool like a dandelion digger or a narrow trowel. Insert it deep into the soil next to the main plant.
- Lever the tool to loosen the soil and gently pull the plant, tracing the runners to get as much of the rhizome network as possible. Even a small piece left behind can regrow.
- Dispose of the plants in your yard waste bin, not your compost, to prevent spreading seeds or rhizomes.
Tips for Effective Digging
Don’t just yank on the leaves; they’ll break off. Get the tool under the crown. For large patches, you might need to loosen a whole section of turf with a garden fork to carefully lift and separate the yarrow roots from the grass roots. It’s tedious but effective for organic lawns.
Method 2: Using Herbicides as a Targeted Tool
For widespread infestations, herbicides may be necessary. Selective, broadleaf herbicides are the best choice because they kill yarrow without harming your grass. Look for products containing ingredients like 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP.
- Timing is Everything: The best time to spray is in late spring or early fall when yarrow is actively growing and the weather is mild (60-80°F).
- Follow the Label: This is the most important rule. Mix and apply exactly as directed on the product label for safety and effectiveness.
- Spot Treat: Instead of spraying the whole lawn, only spray the visible yarrow patches to minimize chemical use.
- Be Patient: It may take two applications, spaced 3-4 weeks apart, to fully kill established clumps. The plants will slowly wither and die.
A Note on Non-Selective Herbicides
Glyphosate (Roundup) will kill yarrow, but it will also kill any grass it touches. This is only a good option if you plan to reseed or resod a badly infested area. Apply it carefully with a brush or wick applicator to avoid contacting desirable grass.
Method 3: The Long-Term Solution: Cultivating a Healthy Lawn
This is the most critical step. Killing the existing yarrow is only half the battle. You must change the conditions that allowed it to grow so your grass can fill in and prevent new weeds.
Core Aeration
Rent a core aerator or hire a service to do this in the fall or spring. This process pulls out small plugs of soil, relieving compaction and allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. It’s one of the best things you can do for your lawn’s health.
Proper Fertilization
Test your soil to see what it lacks. Most lawns benefit from a regular feeding schedule with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Healthier, thicker grass simply leaves no room for yarrow to establish. A strong lawn is your best defense.
Smart Watering Practices
Water your lawn deeply but infrequently. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. This encourages grass roots to grow deep, making them more drought-tolerant and competitive. Shallow, frequent watering only benefits weeds.
Mowing High and Often
Set your mower blade to its highest setting (usually 3-4 inches). Taller grass shades the soil, cooling roots and preventing weed seeds from germinating. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Keep your mower blade sharp for clean cuts that heal fast.
Overseeding to Fill Gaps
After removing yarrow, bare spots are open invitations for new weeds. Overseed these areas with a grass variety suited to your climate and sun conditions. Rake the soil lightly, spread seed, keep it moist until germination, and then follow your normal watering routine. The new grass will help crowd out any remaining weed seedlings.
Preventing Yarrow From Returning
Vigilance is key. Regularly inspect your lawn, especially in early spring. Deal with new yarrow seedlings immediately—they are much easier to pull when young. Maintain your lawn care routine of proper mowing, watering, and fertilization. A dense, vigorous lawn is the ultimate weed barrier.
Also, check the edges of your property. Yarrow often invades from adjacent meadows or neglected areas. Creating a clean edge with a mowed strip or landscape barrier can help. Remember, consistency in lawn care is far easier than battling a full-blown infestation every year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will vinegar kill yarrow in my lawn?
Household vinegar might burn the top growth, but it rarely kills the deep roots and rhizomes. It’s also non-selective, meaning it will damage your grass. For a permanent solution, it’s not very reliable.
Is yarrow actually bad for lawns?
From a pure lawn care perspective, yes. It’s considered a weed because it disrupts the uniform appearance of turfgrass and competes for resources. However, it does have some ecological benefits, like attracting pollinators, which is why some people allow it in less formal parts of the yard.
How do I remove yarrow without killing grass?
Manual removal with a weeding tool is the safest for your grass. For chemical control, you must use a selective broadleaf herbicide labeled as safe for your type of turfgrass. Always read the label carefully to ensure compatability.
Can I just mow over yarrow to control it?
Frequent mowing will prevent it from flowering and seeding, which helps. But mowing alone won’t eliminate it. The plant grows low and will continue to spread via its underground stems, even under regular mowing.
What is the fastest way to get rid of yarrow?
A combination approach is fastest: spot-treat visible patches with a selective herbicide to knock them back, then immediately begin improving lawn health through aeration, fertilization, and overseeding to prevent its return. There’s no true overnight fix, but this gives the quickest visible results.
Getting rid of yarrow is a test of patience. There’s no single magic bullet. By combining direct removal tactics with a commitment to building a thicker, healthier lawn, you can win the battle. Start by identifying the cause, choose your removal method, and then focus on giving your grass everything it needs to thrive. With this plan, you’ll see less yarrow and more beautiful green turf with each passing season.