6 Natural Ways to Remove Grass From Flower Beds—Without Damaging Your Plants

Grass may seem harmless, but in a flower bed, it’s a silent competitor and steals the nutrients, water, and sunlight your blooms need to thrive. “Clearing it out not only protects your plants, but also gives your garden the clean, well-tended look that turns heads,” adds Allison Koenig, lawn and garden associate at Tractor Supply. 

Here, we spoke to experts about how they remove this unwelcome greenery from their flower beds—without harming their beautiful plants. Plus, a few tips and tricks that will help you keep unwanted grass from coming back.

The Importance of Removing Grass

If left unchecked, grass can quickly overtake desired plants, crowding them out and reducing airflow. This can increase the risk of disease.

“When grass invades a flower bed, it spreads through both seeds and underground roots. Over time, it can choke out desirable plants, reduce the amount of soil moisture available to them, and interfere with nutrient absorption,” says Jill Pierce, senior director of consumer care at DoMyOwn.com.

She says that some varieties, like Bermuda, are especially aggressive once established.

Smothering with Cardboard

Covering grass with a thick layer of cardboard or several sheets of newspaper deprives it of sunlight, killing the blades and weakening the root system over time. This method is simple, inexpensive, and improves soil as the material decomposes.

“[It] takes time to work—typically a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of grass and weather,” warns Pierce. “It can also look unsightly during the process.”

Wet the cardboard or newspaper before applying, and anchor it down with soil, mulch, or rocks. Be sure to overlap edges to prevent grass from sneaking through, and avoid using glossy or colored paper, which may contain inks that aren't suited for gardens.

“One mistake is using cardboard with staples,” says Andy Wu, outdoor living expert and founder of Backyard Oasis. “[This] pollution may contaminate the pH level of the soil for years.”

Pull It Out

Good old-fashioned elbow grease is most effective for small areas or spot control around delicate plants. “While it’s time-consuming and may require repeated efforts—especially with deeply rooted varieties—pulling grass by the root ensures it doesn’t come back soon,” Koenig says. 

However, this method is labor-intensive and not always practical for larger beds or deep-rooted grasses. “If roots break off and stay in the soil, the grass may return,” Pierce warns. 

Pull just after rain or watering when the soil is soft. “Use a weeding tool or hand trowel to dig out roots completely,” Pierce suggests. “Then, regularly inspect and re-pull any regrowth to stay ahead of it.”

Apply Natural Herbicides

There are natural herbicides that are designed to quickly dry out grass blades and top growth. However, if the product is not sprayed carefully and comes into contact with other plants, it can cause damage.

To apply, choose a hot, dry day with no rain in the forecast. Use a targeted sprayer to minimize drift, and avoid spraying during windy conditions.

“In most cases, multiple applications are needed for full control—especially with established grasses or persistent regrowth,” Pierce says. “Always follow label directions for the best results.”

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Use Vinegar

Household vinegar—with 5 percent acidity or stronger—can kill grass on contact.

“It’s quick and avoids chemicals, which is great if you’ve got pets or kids nearby,” Koenig says. “Use it on sunny days when there’s no wind, and shield your flowers with a piece of cardboard or plastic while spraying."

However, vinegar will harm flowers too, so be careful. You also may need to apply it a few times for it to be effective.

Pour Boiling Water

Slowly pour boiling water over grass to kill it quickly, simply, and affordably.

“The heat destroys the roots,” Koenig says. "And there’s no residue left behind. But it can also hurt nearby plants if you’re not careful.”

Cut Strategically

During the middle of the growing season, Wu trims the patches of grass that he intends to convert to flower beds down to one inch every four or five days. This frequency will weaken the roots over time.

“Then, it's easy to hand pull it,” he says. “The most common mistake is that people cut too rarely. Cutting just once a week, in fact, makes the grass more robust and helps it develop deeper roots."

Prevention Is Key

A thick layer of mulch is one of the most effective natural barriers. Materials like pine bark, shredded hardwood, shredded leaves, or straw help block sunlight from reaching weed and grass seeds—making it harder for them to sprout.

“Mulch also improves soil health and retains moisture for your flowers,” says Pierce. “For best results, maintain a layer that’s 2 to 3 inches deep. Reapply as it breaks down or washes away.”