As we move from spring to summer, it’s the time of year to get the most out of our outdoor spaces. But for those plagued by lawn weeds, this season might be less of a treat and more of a headache.

If you’re noticing unwanted weeds cropping up in your yard, it may be tempting to reach straight for the weed killer—but sometimes chemicals can cause more problems than they solve. Different herbicides work differently: some poison the soil, preventing even wanted plants or grass from growing there; others can harm helpful insect communities that work to keep your lawn healthy. Many options render the space unsafe for little ones and pets, not to mention the wider environmental impact these can have.

Simply keeping up with good lawn care goes a long way to help grass thrive and discourage weed growth. Small adjustments to amount and regularity of fertilizer and watering or mowing height and frequency can all impact a lawn’s resilience against weeds. The healthier your grass, the less susceptible it will be to invasion, successfully fending for itself against the occasional rogue sprout.

But perhaps you notice an unwanted plant that’s especially tenacious, or an area where weeds are gaining ground over your grass. In this case, it’s important to correctly identify the weed to effectively control it. Depending on the nature of the problem, manual removal may be a viable option. If you determine that chemical application is necessary, be informed about product choices and how environmental conditions may affect the treatment. And of course, always follow application instructions carefully.