For decades, the perfect green lawn has been a symbol of pride and suburban success. But behind the pristine turf lies a hidden cost: chemical treatments, biodiversity loss, and environmental damage – all in the name of eliminating “weeds.” It’s time we rethink the war on weeds and consider what we’re really doing to our yards, our communities, and the planet.
What’s considered a ‘weed’ is essentially a plant that happens to grow where we don’t want it to. But really, isn’t that just an arbitrary designation? Before the widespread use of herbicides, did we really fret over weeds in lawns? No, we didn’t. We treated all plants equally, unless they posed a significant threat, like Japanese Knotweed.
After World War II, with the rise of commercial interests, herbicides became the go-to solution for achieving the ‘perfect’ lawn. But who decided what’s perfect anyway? The push for monoculture lawns devoid of any plants deemed undesirable was driven not by lawn experts or environmentalists, but by profit-driven commercialism. And where has it led us? To a cycle of endless pursuit of an unattainable perfection, at great cost to both us and the environment.
In farming, weed control is a different story driven by economic factors, but we’re focusing on lawns here. We’re not talking about pristine showcase lawns or lawns in international competitions; we’re talking about the lawns that form part of our social lives, property values, and the ecosystem around us.
Why are weeds such a nuisance in lawns? Well, our native grasses naturally compete with and inhibit the growth of these so-called weeds. So why do we feel the need to intervene with herbicides, especially when they’re often applied incorrectly and cause more harm than good?
The truth is, weeds have a place in a healthy lawn. But the harmful chemicals used to eradicate them do not.
It’s time to embrace a more natural approach that respects the balance of nature and eliminates unnecessary damage to both our lawns and the environment. As Derek Trotter would say, “You know it makes sense”.
1. Weeds are essential for pollinators
Dandelions, clover, and plantain may be classified as weeds, but they are lifelines for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many of these plants bloom early in the season when little else is available, offering critical nectar and pollen sources. With pollinator populations in steep decline globally, protecting their habitats – even small ones in suburban lawns – can make a real difference.
Letting a few dandelions grow could help save local bees and, in addition to that the roots of the dandelions also do some valuable work in the soil. That is apart from the fact that every part of the plant is edible and, in fact, very good.
2. Herbicides harm more than just weeds
Most weed-control products contain powerful chemicals like glyphosate, 2,4-D, or dicamba. While marketed as safe, these compounds have been linked to:
* Soil degradation
* Water contamination
* Reproductive harm in wildlife
* Increased cancer risks in humans
Runoff from treated lawns ends up in streams and groundwater, impacting not only ecosystems but also human health. These risks far outweigh the aesthetic gain of a weed-free lawn.
3. Weeds can improve soil health
Far from being nuisances, many weeds are signs that the soil is trying to heal itself. Plants like dandelion and dock have deep roots that break up compacted soil and pull nutrients from deeper layers. These nutrients are returned to the surface when the plant decomposes, improving soil quality over time.
In essence, weeds are nature’s way of regenerating poor soil – free of charge.
4. Clover and other weeds reduce the need for fertilizer
Clover, once a common and accepted part of lawn seed mixes, naturally adds nitrogen to the soil. This makes your lawn greener and more drought-resistant – without synthetic fertilizers. Ironically, it was only labeled a “weed” when herbicide companies needed to market products that couldn’t distinguish between clover and unwanted species.
Reintroducing clover can save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
5. Lawns are ecological dead zones
Traditional lawns are monocultures that offer little food or shelter for insects, birds, or wildlife. When we kill weeds, we’re doubling down on this sterile environment. By contrast, a lawn with a mix of native plants and “weeds” can become a vibrant mini-ecosystem teeming with life.
A biodiverse lawn is healthier, more resilient, and far more interesting than a uniform stretch of grass.
6. Weeds are resilient – and that’s a good thing
Weeds thrive in tough conditions: poor soil, high traffic, drought. Their resilience is an asset, not a flaw. By embracing hardy, self-sustaining plants, we create landscapes that require less water, less maintenance, and fewer chemicals – all while staying green and alive.
7. The cultural shift is already happening
Movements like “No Mow May,” “Pollinator Pathways,” and “Rewilding” are gaining momentum. Homeowners, cities, and even golf courses are beginning to recognize the value of more natural landscapes. In many places, ordinances are being updated to allow wilder yards — and in some, native plantings are even encouraged.
The idea of the “perfect lawn” is evolving — and that’s a good thing.
🌼 Conclusion: Rethinking the lawn
Weeds are not enemies. They are signs of life, resilience, and ecological potential. By choosing to stop killing weeds in our lawns, we can support biodiversity, reduce chemical use, improve soil health, and redefine what a beautiful yard really looks like.
In the past so-called lawns, even bowling greens, croquet lawns, and other grassy areas would always have included weeds of all kinds, because that was before Monsanto (Bayer) & Co. and herbicides.
When did we really become that obsessed about weeds in the lawn. When after the Vietnam War Monsanto had no longer a ready market for its defoliant, namely glyphosate, renamed it Round Up and marketed it to gardeners and the landscape industry.
Before that, if you didn't want the weeds you dug them out and in your patio (they were rare until not that long ago) or pathways you also dug them out or removed them. They always would come back though, because they do happen to be rather resilient. Over time they may get weakened and, maybe, die off, but that is just a maybe.
It’s time to trade perfection for purpose – and let a little wildness back into our lives and also discover the weeds for ourselves, as many of them are edible and make very good eating indeed.
2025 © Michael Smith
