Weed Control Shortcuts Without Chemicals

Weeds seem to sprout in even the best-managed lawns. In warm temperatures, they flourish like crazy and make for easy growth from freshly cut grass.

Common solutions for controlling weeds, like boiling water and vinegar, don’t work effectively; but this simple home recipe can both safely and effectively tackle them.

1. Fertilize

Fertilizing can help your lawn avoid weeds by increasing the grass roots’ ability to choke off those that sprout from below, while firming soil and reducing muddy puddles caused by water pooling. Fertilization also encourages an ecosystem rich with beneficial bugs such as earthworms, praying mantises and praying mantisses that feed off lawn pests and burrowing animals that consume the nutrients left from fertilization.

Many popular “home remedies” for weeds on the Internet do not work or can actually cause more damage than good; boiling water only kills leaves, not roots; even pouring vinegar (household is typically 5-7%, pickling-7% or Horticultural-20% concentration) does not eliminate all weeds.

2. Mulch

Organic matter such as compost or bark mulch is vital in order to stop annual weeds from germinating in garden beds, as this helps retain moisture and deter their growth. Mulching also retains heat which keeps weeds at bay; don’t allow any to take root before applying mulch as this will allow it to outcompete your ornamental plants for water and sunlight. When an annual weed has taken hold in an existing bed it must be pulled by hand out before watering in pre-emergent herbicide products such as prodiamine or pendimethalin available from most garden supply stores that will prevent future germinating seeds from taking hold and taking root preventing future annuals weeds from emerging.

4. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Pre-emergent herbicides are chemical products designed to prevent weed seeds from germinating by creating an inactive barrier in the soil. Pre-emergent herbicides work best when applied early spring before any seeds germinate, with both granular and liquid products available; it’s important to read product labels closely in order to make sure you use appropriate dosage and application method; some weed species may be resistant to certain pre-emergents so only use those which have been approved and safe for the specific weed species you want control.

Pre-emergent herbicides require watering in, in order to be effective. Water activates the herbicide, creating a barrier in the soil which blocks weed seeds from germinating. It’s essential that it becomes fully saturated before watering; otherwise it risks washing away. A single application usually lasts 8-12 weeks so reapplication should occur after this timeframe has elapsed.

Pre-emergent herbicides are an invaluable asset in any comprehensive weed management program, but they should never serve as the sole means for effective weed control. A comprehensive strategy involves cultural practices and regular mowing, in addition to using pre-emergent herbicides at appropriate times of the year.

Weeds can be an ongoing nuisance for lawn owners, and no single solution exists to completely eradicate them. By employing cultural practices like regular mowing, fertilizing and mulching as well as pre-emergent herbicide treatments to your yard you can drastically decrease weed populations and drastically cut back their presence in your space.

Remember, however, that weeds can still appear even with an otherwise healthy lawn. They all have distinct life cycles and reproduction methods, and can remain dormant for extended periods. A healthy, dense lawn may help reduce weed growth significantly; however, no universal solution exists – an appropriate weed management program must be tailored specifically to each property to keep weeds at bay. Speak with one of Lawn Doctor’s professionals today about ways you can rid your yard of unwanted weeds!