Flatweed is a term used to describe a collective of weeds that are invasive in a home lawn. Although a flatweed is typically just that, a “Flat Weed” like Hawkbit. I often refer to other weeds like clover in a similar way.

The traditional method to eradicate this type of weed from a lawn is with the use of a selective herbicide, which will attack the weed without affecting the lawn itself. For the organic gardener, you will want to avoid these synthetic herbicides.

Surprisingly, there are many non-traditional, chemical-free ways to remove flat algae from a lawn, including chemical-based alternative options and manual removal.

Some tools have been specifically developed to remove flat weeds from a lawn with very little effort. A relatively new tool available on the market that I equipped with a long handle to allow easy removal of flatweed while standing upright. From memory, I believe this tool was invented in Australia and is marketed as “Grandpa Weeder”.

Small areas can also be handled with a hoe or hoe. It is always important to remove the entire taproot of the weed to prevent possible growth.

Larger areas or neglected lawns can be removed by solarization using black plastic to heat the soil area for several weeks before re-seeding the area with new grass. It’s a good idea to brush all the way through or cut with a lawnmower before adding the plastic. It is also advisable not to fell or mow when seed heads are present. When the plants are in flower or before flowering is an ideal time.

Organic farmers have used goats or pigs to eliminate weed infestations for years. Goats will eat almost anything and pigs dig through the soil to get to the roots. This is obviously not appropriate in a domestic setting, but when clearing a large area for a new lawn or home lot, it’s worth borrowing a goat from a farmer to help with the cleanup.

Common salt (table salt) has been used in the past as a “stain remover” for flatweed. Many people don’t like to use salt, but I use it for weeding and in cracks on walkways. I prefer it to using synthetic herbicides in that I just apply a teaspoon to the top of a flatweed after first cutting a cross off the top of the plant to speed up the process. Small but repeated applications into trail cracks will lead to potentially weed-free trails.

Regular applications of high-nitrogen fertilizers, such as chicken manure, can also help maintain a thick, healthy lawn, which can help prevent the potential growth of flat algae.