How to Kill Weeds in Artificial Grass

You bought artificial grass to escape the endless weeding. So why are there weeds growing in it?

Don’t panic. Weeds in artificial grass are common, easy to deal with, and almost always preventable once you understand why they appear. The good news is that killing them is much simpler than dealing with weeds in a real lawn – you don’t have to worry about harming the grass.

Why Weeds Grow in Artificial Grass

First, let’s clear up a misconception: weeds don’t actually grow through artificial grass. The backing material is impermeable to roots. What you’re seeing are weeds growing in one of three places:

Around the edges. The perimeter where your artificial lawn meets patios, fencing, or borders is the most common spot. Small gaps allow soil contact, and that’s all a weed seed needs.

Through drainage holes. Artificial grass has small perforations to let water drain away. If there’s no weed membrane underneath, weeds can push up through these holes.

On top of accumulated debris. This is the sneaky one. Leaves, dirt, and organic matter build up on the surface over time. Airborne seeds land on this debris and germinate right there on top of your lawn. These surface weeds have shallow roots and are the easiest to remove.

If weeds keep appearing despite your efforts, the installation may be at fault – specifically, a missing or damaged weed membrane underneath. Worth checking if the problem persists.

Identifying Your Weeds

Different weeds require different approaches. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you choose the most effective treatment. The same common UK weeds that invade real lawns will appear in artificial turf too – dandelions, clover, and annual weeds that exploit any gap.

How to Kill Weeds in Artificial Grass

You have several options, from completely chemical-free to commercial weed killers. All work well on artificial turf because you don’t need to worry about harming the grass itself.

Pull Them Out by Hand

The simplest solution is often the best. Most weeds in artificial grass have shallow root systems (especially the surface weeds growing on debris). Grab them at the base and pull firmly. If they’ve rooted through drainage holes, you may need a bit more force, but they’ll come out.

This is genuinely the fastest method for small numbers of weeds. No waiting for chemicals to work, no equipment needed.

Hot Water

Pour hot water directly onto weeds and they’ll wilt and die within hours. This works by essentially cooking the plant cells. Wait until the weeds have wilted, then pull them out and discard.

Important: Use hot water, not boiling. Artificial grass is made from plastic, and boiling water can potentially damage or distort the fibres. Water from a recently boiled kettle that’s cooled for a few minutes is ideal.

Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is an effective contact herbicide. The acetic acid burns plant tissue on contact. Mix three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle and apply directly to weeds. They should die within a day or two.

Downsides: vinegar only kills what it touches (the leaves), so deep-rooted perennials may regrow. It also smells strongly until it dries. For more on this method, see our guide to using vinegar as a weed killer.

Salt

Salt dehydrates plants and can be effective on small weeds. Sprinkle it directly on the weed or dissolve in water and spray. Combining salt with vinegar (50/50 mix) creates a more potent solution.

Be careful not to let salt run off into nearby flower beds or borders – it will kill anything it contacts and can damage soil long-term.

Commercial Weed Killer

For stubborn or widespread weeds, a proper weed killer is the most effective option. Glyphosate-based products work systemically – the chemical is absorbed through the leaves and kills the entire plant including roots.

Spray directly onto the weeds when they’re actively growing. Don’t spray the soil hoping to prevent future growth – glyphosate only works through foliage. Be careful around any plants you want to keep, as it kills everything it touches.

What NOT to Use on Artificial Grass

Some products that work fine on natural lawns will damage artificial turf:

Iron sulphate: Commonly found in lawn weed killers and moss treatments. It causes bright orange staining on artificial grass that’s extremely difficult to remove.

Bleach: While it does kill weeds, bleach can permanently discolour synthetic fibres. The staining may be patchy and very visible.

Boiling water: As mentioned above, the extreme heat can melt or distort plastic fibres. Stick to hot (not boiling) water.

Always check the label of any product before using it on or near artificial grass.

How to Prevent Weeds Coming Back

Killing existing weeds is only half the battle. Prevention is where you’ll save yourself ongoing effort.

Brush Regularly

Use a stiff brush with plastic bristles (not metal, which can damage the turf) to sweep your artificial lawn at least twice a month. Brush in the direction of the pile. This removes debris, seeds, and any organic matter that weeds could root into.

Regular brushing also keeps the grass blades upright and looking fresh – so you get a better-looking lawn while preventing weeds.

Remove Leaves and Debris

Don’t let leaves sit on your artificial lawn for weeks. They trap moisture, break down into compost, and create the perfect seed bed for airborne weeds. Clear them regularly, especially in autumn. A leaf blower makes quick work of this.

Trim Overhanging Trees and Hedges

The fewer seeds and leaves that land on your lawn, the fewer weeds you’ll get. Keep vegetation trimmed back from the edges.

Seal the Edges

Gaps between your artificial grass and hard surfaces (patios, paths, fencing) are prime weed territory. Seal these with a suitable filler or edging strip. This is where most weeds appear, and sealing prevents soil contact that allows them to root.

Check Your Weed Membrane

If weeds keep growing up through the drainage holes (rather than around edges or on the surface), the weed membrane underneath may be damaged or missing. This is usually an installation issue. A geotextile membrane should have been laid before the artificial grass went down – it blocks weeds while still allowing water to drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are weeds growing in my artificial grass?

Weeds appear for three main reasons: airborne seeds landing on accumulated debris on the surface, gaps around the edges allowing soil contact, or a missing/damaged weed membrane underneath. Surface weeds (from debris) are most common and easiest to deal with.

Can weeds actually grow through artificial grass?

No – weeds cannot grow through the backing material of artificial grass itself. They grow around the edges, through drainage holes (if there’s no weed membrane), or on top of debris that’s accumulated on the surface. If weeds seem to be coming through the middle of your lawn, they’re likely growing through drainage holes due to inadequate installation.

What weed killer is safe for artificial grass?

Glyphosate-based weed killers are safe to use on and around artificial grass. Avoid anything containing iron sulphate (causes orange staining) or bleach (causes discolouration). Always check the label before applying any product.

Will boiling water damage artificial grass?

Potentially, yes. Artificial grass is made from plastic, and boiling water can melt or distort the fibres. Use hot water instead – recently boiled water that’s been allowed to cool for a few minutes. This is still hot enough to kill weeds without risking damage to the turf.

How do I stop weeds coming back?

Regular maintenance is key: brush the lawn twice monthly with a stiff plastic brush to remove debris and seeds, clear fallen leaves promptly, seal any gaps around the edges, and trim overhanging vegetation. If weeds persist, check that a proper weed membrane was installed underneath the turf.

The Bottom Line

Weeds in artificial grass are annoying but easily dealt with. For most people, hand-pulling combined with regular brushing is all you’ll ever need. For stubborn cases, hot water, vinegar, or a glyphosate-based weed killer will finish them off.

The real win is prevention. Keep your artificial lawn clean, seal the edges, and you’ll rarely see a weed at all. Much easier than maintaining a real lawn – which was probably the point of going artificial in the first place.