Removing Lawn Weeds: Tips & Costs 2026

October 4, 2026

5 minutes

When dandelions, clover, and moss overrun your lawn, quick action is required. Whether you grab a scarifier yourself or hire a professional gardener: with the right care, your green space will become dense and resilient again. As of 2026, strict rules also apply to the use of weed killers in Swiss gardens.

Important Facts About Weed Control

Before you start with lawn care, you should know these key points.

Mechanical instead of chemical: The use of chemical weed killers is strictly prohibited on sealed surfaces in Switzerland. Experts also recommend mechanical methods for lawns.
The right time: The best months for scarifying are April and May, as well as August and September, when the soil is warm enough.
Preparation is everything: Before scarifying, the lawn must be mowed short. A precise adjustment of the equipment also prevents damage to the grass roots.
Costs for professionals: Professional gardeners in Switzerland usually bill by the hour or square metre. In addition, there are usually flat rates for travel and material costs.

With these basics, you are well prepared for the next gardening season.

Important Lawn Care Terms

Scarifying

The vertical cutting of the turf (approx. 2 to 3 mm deep) to remove moss and thatch and to aerate the soil.

Herbicides

Chemical weed killers. In Switzerland, they are subject to strict application rules and are banned on paths and squares.

Mulching

Leaving fine grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertiliser. Helps with nutrient deficiencies but can promote thatch if it is too wet.

Proper care requires an understanding of a few basic terms.

Lawn Care: Do It Yourself or Hire a Gardener?

DIY Lawn Care

Ideal if

You have time, are physically fit, and own or can rent the necessary equipment.

Typical costs

Only material costs for fertiliser and seeds, as well as possible rental fees for the scarifier.

Risks

Scarifying too deeply can cause lasting damage to the grass roots.

Who should do it

Garden owners who enjoy physical work and have enough free time.

Professional Gardener

Ideal if

The lawn is heavily thatched, you need a soil analysis, or you have no time for maintenance.

Typical costs

80 to 120 CHF per hour plus travel costs (approx. 30 to 85 CHF).

Risks

Higher financial expenses compared to doing it yourself.

Who should do it

Professionals, elderly people, or garden owners who want a perfect result.

5 Steps to a Weed-Free Lawn

With the right technique, you can effectively remove moss and weeds. Always wear sturdy shoes when gardening.

Fertilise and mow the lawn

Fertilise the lawn about two weeks before scarifying. Mow it to a height of 2 to 3 cm immediately before starting.

Adjust the scarifier correctly

Adjust the blades so that they score the turf to a maximum depth of 2 to 3 mm. A deeper setting will damage the grass roots.

Scarify lengthwise and crosswise

Move briskly in lengthwise strips over the lawn when the soil is dry. If there is heavy thatch, scarify across again afterwards to create a checkerboard pattern.

Remove lawn thatch

Thoroughly rake up the loosened moss and weeds. Even if the scarifier has a catcher bag, remnants often remain on the surface.

Reseed and water

Sow fresh grass seed in bare spots. Water the area regularly in the following weeks and walk on the lawn as little as possible.

After about two to three weeks of rest, your lawn will be fully usable again and significantly more resistant to new weeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Weeds

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about lawn care.

When is the best time to control weeds in the lawn?

The ideal months for comprehensive lawn renovation by scarifying are April and May, as well as August and September. As a rule of thumb, the soil should be at least 8 to 10 degrees warm for this.

Are chemical weed killers allowed in Switzerland?

They are strictly prohibited on sealed surfaces such as paths or terraces. For lawns, certain products are still approved for private individuals, but experts strongly advise using mechanical alternatives.

How much does a gardener cost for lawn care?

Many gardening professionals charge by area rather than by the hour. For mowing and scarifying, costs in Switzerland are often 1.00 to 1.10 CHF per square metre. For a complete lawn renovation, you should expect 2.50 to 4.00 CHF per m², plus material and travel costs. You can find the exact hourly rates in the comparison above.

Why is so much moss and weed growing in my lawn?

Common causes are nutrient deficiency, soil that is too acidic, waterlogging, or too much shade. A professional soil analysis can provide clarity here.

If you are unsure which measures are right for your lawn, it is worth consulting a specialist company.