Like many others, you enjoy being outside and tending to your property. But also like everyone else, weed control has become a dreaded never-ending chore. Weeds are a common trait of many lawns. They allegedly do play important roles such as providing a natural insect repellant, attracting insects that will reduce the population of bugs that will harm your lawn, and helping to prevent erosion, but a common goal of any homeowner is making your lawn weed-free.
Below are five ways that you can tackle those pesky weeds and leaving your property looking healthy and beautiful.
1. Refrain from cutting too short
It is common for a homeowner to cut a lawn as short as possible to maximize the length of time between cuttings, but cutting your grass too short is an open invitation for weeds to present themselves. Weeds are able to germinate when the sun hits them, providing light and warmth. This occurs when nothing is obstructing them. Taller grass prevents or slows the germination process by shading weeds from the sun and keeping them at a cooler temperature. Cutting your lawn an appropriate height and when required also gives the opportunity to clip the heads off weed heads before they can seed your lawn and result in more weeds growing.
2. Use mulch
Mulch is not only a product that will lead to healthy plants and a beautiful-looking garden, it also plays an important role in removing weeds from your property. As mentioned, weeds need ample sunlight and warmth to grow. Mulch keeps soil cool and smothers germinated weeds, depriving them of the light needed to germinate.
Organic mulches can offer extra weed control capabilities because the organic matter attracts crickets and beetles that enjoy eating away at weeds they are exposed to. Bare soil offers a perfect atmosphere for many types of weeds to grow. By covering soil with a generous layer of mulch or using mulch by itself will inhibit weeds from growing in your gardens.
3. Plant close together
Similar to the idea of keeping grass longer to keep weeds cooler and shadier, spacing your plants relatively close together will shade the soil between them and either kill existing weeds or discourage the growth of ones not germinated yet.
Some people like to confirm the spacing needed for the items to be planted because if they are not given the minimum space required, they may not grow to their full potential. Others are successful in “crowd growing”, a process where plants are placed directly beside each other with no space at all in between, allowing for better weed control and more area for additional plants.
4. Use herbicides
The use of herbicides are popular because they attack weeds but leave plants and grass intact. The type of herbicide that you need varies depending on situation. Some are successful in killing weed seedlings before they germinate and others kill weeds after they have already sprouted. Herbicides used today are safer than they have been previously, but they still contain chemicals hazardous to people and pets.
Another major concern is homeowners who decide to treat their own lawns with herbicides often over-treat and this results in chemicals running off and ending up in lakes, rivers, and streams. For these reasons, it may be best to hire a weed control professional to apply herbicides to your lawn if this is the course of action you wish to take.
The professional will be able to identify the type of weed plaguing your lawn and what product will exterminate it. They are experienced in handling the product, educated on how to safely use it, and will often provide a guarantee on their work.
