[Grubbypaws]

I usually garden organically and have a very healthy population of birds that visit and feed.

My lawn is regularly scarified and fed and its worms feed a good population of blackbirds    but there are weeds galore  .  I don’t want to do anything to hurt the wildlife but would love to have fewer weeds.

Would the weed-killer in a weed and feed lawn dressing be harmful? Am I just being a bit silly not using it or will it hurt my worms/blackbirds? The situation is well beyond any hand weeding solution!!!!

[lancashiregardeninggal]

I refuse to use weedkiller and the weeds here are horrendous - had a problem with my shoulder last couple of months so I am not on top of things at all - however, when I was I used to pull at the leaves of the weeds in the lawn and if it is done constantly the weeds do tend to give up - but it has to be done constantly.  Sorry, I don't know anything about weedkillers.

[sunshineband]

You can dig out ones with a tap root using an  old knife (if your lawn is not too big).

I leve clover and daisies alone as they are flat and green, but take out dandelions 'cos they seed everywhere even when I try to tak the heads off first 

[TerryB]

I've used weed and feed and never noticed any reduction in the number of birds coming and feeding on the worms in the lawn.
The weed killer part must be very selective otherwise it would kill the lawn.
If the instructions say to keep pets and children off the area for a time it may do harm, if it doesn't I would assume it is safe for birds.
As far as the worms are concerned I think you will find the weed killer breaks down on contact with the soil so would not effect them.

[chrisnchris]

I use a general nitrogen lawn feed, this seems to strengthen the "grass" which, in turn, slowly takes over from the weeds.
Dandelions are a bit more persistent.

[compostqueen]

I found that when I got hens they made a good job of removing lawn weeds.


I shan't mention the holes though 

[Goosegirl]

I have three big lawns, and four young and very active cats who have gradually replaced our lovely, but old, two previous ones, the last who died this year. I am in a quandry re- weeds both in the lawn and gravel driveway which consist mainly of dandelions. My neighbour, who has many farm cats, says they stay away when you have sprayed or sprinkled the area as they seem to smell it and keep off. I have to do something so am going to use a sprinkle bar on a breezy day and keep them inside until dry.