There’s nothing more disappointing and frustrating for a gardener than seeing weeds popping through the soil and across the lawn during the spring. Weeds seem to come from nowhere. You don’t plant them, but they emerge every year like clockwork. They’ll spread like wildfire across eastern Nebraska if you don’t tend to them immediately. Winning the battle against weeds requires a strategy. Ground elder, bindweed, Japanese knotweed, couch grass, and nettles are relentless and spread quickly through the garden. Here are a few methods to win this growing season’s weed control battle.
Winning the Battle Against Weeds
Should You Manually Dig Up Weeds?
You can use this strategy if you have experience digging up weeds manually before. However, leaving a rhizome behind is all the weed needs to regenerate and recover to its former glory. Plus, it’s hard work, especially for large areas. Why go to the hassle when there are easier methods to remove weeds?
Installing a Barrier Fabric for Weed Control In Flowerbeds
Consider laying barrier fabric at the base if you’re planting a new flowerbed. This fabric allows water to drain through the soil and get air to the ground. The barrier also prevents weeds and grass from growing through.
Upended paving slabs and edging boards are great vertical barriers to stop the spread of weeds. For a horizontal barrier, laying permeable fabric from garden centers over prepared and cultivated areas is a great choice. For the best results, do this in early spring or late winter.
Control Weeds With Organic & Inorganic Mulch
Mulch suppresses weed growth in species like dandelions and enhances the soil texture while preventing evaporation. Mulch prevents the weeds from getting the sunlight they need to grow. It also feeds nutrients to your plants as they decompose (if you’re using natural mulch).
Inorganic materials, like pebbles or crushed granite, can also be used in your garden. These materials form a porous barrier that allows water to absorb into the ground but prevents weeds from popping up.
Herbicides (Weed killer Products)
Use weed killers in spring and fall to prevent weeds from arriving when the weather warms up. These pre-emergent herbicide products won’t kill desirable plants; they specifically target leaves. It’s a great choice for the lawn as well. Weed killer products are more efficacious in the warmer months than in the cold seasons, like the fall. There are four categories of weed control products.
#1 Selective
These products target specific types of weed species, such as broad leaves.
#2 Unselective
These herbicides kill everything, even the lawn and your plants. Some products may remain active in the soil for months, leaving your lawn and flowerbeds barren. Never use these products in your vegetable garden, as they contaminate your crops.
#3 Systemic
This weed killer targets specific parts of the plant, the roots, and leaves. As with unselective products, never use them on edible crops. Apply this weed killer in warm temperatures when plants and lawns are actively growing.
#4 Organic Weed killer Products
These products are highly effective at killing lawn weeds and weeds in flowerbeds. They are also less toxic than synthetic products.
It’s fine to use them as a weed control method on edible crops. They might not be as potent as synthetic products, but they don’t harm local wildlife or pollinators visiting your yard.
Torching Method For Weed Control
Our final method for killing weeds is torching them. This strategy is effective in areas like the driveway or where weeds grow between paving bricks or asphalt cracks.
Use a specialist wand gun to flame the weeds, killing the green parts and the roots. It’s a fast and easy process, but like digging them up, it may not kill the rhizomes, causing the weeds to regrow.
When Is It Okay to Leave Weeds Alone?
In some cases, leave the weeds alone. Some animals and beneficial insects like snacking on weeds. For instance, stinging nettles harbor plenty of insect species, and they might decide to leave your plants alone if they have another food source.
Wrapping Up
With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to tackle weeds before they take over our lawns or flowerbeds. These methods can help guide you in the choices you have in lawn and yard care. Speak to a lawn care professional to learn more.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.