How To Get Rid Of Weeds?

This is one of the questions that is asked most often in discussion groups, gardening forums and anywhere outdoor enthusiasts gather. Human beings have been battling weeds for centuries in an effort to produce nice flower beds, vegetable gardens and consistent lawns.

Still, we are always looking for new, more effective ways to get rid of weeds. As you start your weed-elimination project, keep two facts in mind: weeds are at least as persistent as grass and are considerably hardier than many vegetable and flower plants; there are correct times and incorrect times to attack weed problems.

Two Things at Once
One popular lawn-care product goes by the name “weed and feed.” This is a good indication of how you can get rid of plant pests and nourish your lawn at the same time. Follow the instructions on the product you purchase from you home-and-garden store, apply the fertilizing agent at the proper time along with a pre-emergent weed killer. This may not produce a perfect lawn immediately but you will notice major improvement with repeated applications.

Weeds thrive and spread their seeds when they are allowed to grow tall and become mature. Regular mowing will not only keep your lawn looking good but it will also discourage weed growth. If you can bag the lawn clippings and dispose of them away from your property you will remove the seeds and nourishment that may lead to further weed infestation.

Elbow Grease
This is a strange term but it implies that you may need to put a little physical effort into getting rid of weeds. This may involve getting right down to ground level and pulling weeds one by one. You will find that it is much easier to do this when the weeds are small and immature. It will be difficult to pull larger plants and their root systems from the ground. You can also employ a simple garden trowel or shovel to dig weeds out of the ground. This may be necessary when the weeds have become six inches tall or bigger. You should always take care to get the entire root out if possible.

It’s possible to kill weeds after they have grown by applying a commercial herbicide. Generally these are designed to be mixed with water and sprayed directly on weeds. There are a number of distinct types of herbicides so make sure you ask some questions and do a little homework before spending your hard-earned money. You might consider aerating your lawn and reseeding to help grass take over and crowd out smaller weeds.

When battling weeds in a lawn, don’t over-fertilize and don’t under-fertilize. Each of these will create a specific problem that involves weeds. If you fertilize too little you will allow the weeds to take over. Fertilizing too much may kill some grass and may also serve to feed unwanted weeds. Learn as much as you can about the types of weeds that you find and focus your treatment on each type. This will lead to general success in getting rid of weeds.

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