Cemetery Weed Control: How to Get Rid of Weeds In Cemeteries

Grass in cemeteries, especially older ones, is often not given the proper attention aside from occasional mowing. As a result, the grass is usually poor quality, giving rise to weeds popping up and taking over. Weeds often grow out of control and can overrun an entire cemetery if nothing is done to stop them.

Weeds growing in cemeteries usually creep up in areas with poor conditions, such as areas suffering from erosion, bare spots, compaction from foot traffic, and other practices like poor fertility and dry soils. Other reasons for weeds in graveyards are steep slopes, too many areas of shade, and poor maintenance, such as not enough watering and fertilizing.

Weeds in cemeteries not only ruin the aesthetics of the landscape but can also ruin healthy grass by stealing nutrients away from it, turning the grass around a grave brown, or killing it entirely. Weeds in cemeteries are not just unattractive eyesores but can also be a costly maintenance issue since you would have to mow more often to remove them, adding to labor costs.

Our lawn care experts have compiled a detailed DIY guide to manage weeds on cemetery lands properly. By using our recommended products below and following our how-to instructions, you can successfully get rid of unwanted weeds quickly and save money doing it.

Identification

A weed in a cemetery is any plant that isn't the selected turfgrass for the land. Multiple variants of weeds may be present in a cemetery, and they may be popping up for different reasons.

Before loading up with herbicides and treatment equipment, we first need to know the type of Ornamental turfgrass we are trying to maintain. The type of turfgrass on the land will determine which herbicides can be used. Collect specimens or pictures of the unwanted weeds.

If you are struggling with a particular weed on your lawn, you can always refer to our broadleaf or grassy weed categories to find the offending weed and get specific instructions on how to eradicate it.

Inspection

Where to Inspect

Walk the property and take pictures of areas where unwanted weeds and grasses are found. Note any excess shade areas or environmental conditions that may contribute to weed infestation, such as low spots holding water or bare spots where weeds propagate. Also, note any ornamental plants and trees that herbicide applications could harm.

What to Look For 

It is important during the inspection phase to conduct a soil test to determine your soil fertility and pH, evaluate what type of fertilizer the soil may need, and make any necessary adjustments to the pH.

Cultural methods of control should be applied before resorting to chemical herbicides. When cultural methods are not working to remove the problem of weed, it may be best to try chemical control.

Treatment

When weeds are thick or continuously regrow, you may need to treat them with chemical herbicides. Before using any herbicide, stay safe by wearing the appropriate PPE equipment for the job. This means gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing should be worn at a minimum. We recommend using Certainty Turf Herbicide, as it controls any unwanted plant on land, no matter the species.

Step 1: Spot Treat with Certainty Turf Herbicide

You have to spray very carefully when conducting herbicide treatment, as broadcast treatments in a cemetery are usually not recommended. You may have to be so careful that rather than spraying, you use a brush and paint the herbicide on the plant.

The herbicide will then be transported directly to the root system and will not affect the soil or nearby gravestones. Never use a weed killer next to a gravestone, as the stone absorbs it and causes chemical damage.

Most Post-Emergent herbicide treatments should be done when weeds are immature but actively growing. Annual weeds can be treated without adverse effects when the desired ornamental turf is dormant. It's always best to treat weeds when the desired turf is not under drought, disease, or insect stress.

Remember that most of the herbicides we have suggested are non-selective, which means they are target-specific. Drift, spray, or movement after rain can significantly damage nearby vegetation and stones, so be very careful when treating.

Step 2: Follow Up When Necessary

Stubborn weeds may need repeat applications until they are eradicated. We recommend conducting weed control applications routinely when maintaining a cemetery.

Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pre-emergent herbicides will prevent many unwanted weeds if they are applied prior to seed germination. Products that prevent seed are best applied in late summer to early fall and early spring to achieve best results. Many of these Pre-Emergent materials can also be used safely in ornamental beds to prevent weeds for several months.

As mentioned in the intro, poor lawn conditions in the cemetery stem from various factors, such as soil compaction, poor soil fertility, too much shade, and other environmental and maintenance circumstances.

By performing cultural control methods that address these problems (e.g., using the proper fertilizer, reducing shade, aerating the soil, and proper watering), you will have lush, thick turf that is better equipped to fight and naturally choke out weeds.

Key Takeaways

• Cemetery weed control is not much different from typical weed control procedures except for protecting gravestones and monuments from being impacted by treatment applications and mechanical removal methods.
• Many herbicides intended for weed control contain salts and are often acidic. If these products get on marble or limestone grave monuments, it could significantly damage the stone.
• Successful weed control on cemetery properties can be achieved by carefully applying treatment chemicals to the offending weeds and minimizing the chances of harming gravestones.