Just as there are many different types of weeds there are many methods of weed control. Whether you want to prevent, pull, or spray, there’s a right way to do each.

Methods of Weed Control

Even the most maintained yards and gardens are susceptible to weeds. The difference is how hard your yard works to fight them off. Healthier lawns are stronger, of course, so the goal should be to get your yard in the best position possible to overpower weed seeds. This means finding that balance between watering, feeding, and mowing. If weeds do appear, there are a few different methods to control them:

• Environmental
• Biological
• Mechanical
• Chemical

Before you choose, it’s important to know which weed you’re trying to control. Some types are harder to prevent than others and may require ongoing treatments.

Environmental Methods

When it comes to weed prevention, one of the hardest things to control is the environment. Weed seed can spread through the air, wind, water, animals, vehicles, and other environmental factors. One of the best ways to help prevent one weed from becoming many is early detection and a quick response. One effective response is fighting the environment with the environment!

When you fill your yard and garden with desired vegetation, this competes with weeds, slowing down any future invasion. Weeds quickly take over bare areas of land, so plant grass, flowers, vegetables, or any other native plant that can thrive in that area.

Wherever you see weeds, you may also be dealing with soil compaction, lawn disease, or other plant issues. Take care of these issues first and watch the weeds start to decline. Regular aeration and soil testing can help eradicate the problem.

Biological Weed Control

Like the environment, you can use other more natural methods of weed control. There are certain living agents such as insects, grazing animals, and fungi that get the job done. If mites, beetles, and bacteria don’t suit your needs, try letting sheep, goats, horses, and cattle out to pasture to feast upon your weeds. This method is meant to slow the spread of weeds rather than completely solve the weed problem.

Mechanical Weeding

For those willing to get their hands a little dirty, manually pulling weeds may be the best weed control solution. Pulling only works as well as you can remove the entire weed root. For deeper extraction, tools like tills and plows put more power behind the pull. Even mowing the lawn is a short-term solution. However, as long as the root remains, the weed is likely to return.

Chemical Control

Many gardeners are already familiar with fighting weeds with herbicides. From granulated to liquid, there are many formulas on the market, but not all are appropriate for every weed. Make sure the one you choose targets the weed you’re trying to eliminate. Also be careful not to let some chemicals come in contact with other plants, pets, or people. Use caution whenever chemicals are involved.

Professional Weed Control

If you feel like you’re losing the battle with weeds, another method of weed control is calling in the pros. Effective weed management depends on knowing the type of weed you’re working with, its life cycle, and other factors affecting your efforts. Contact Cardinal Lawns for more information on the best method of weed control for your lawn and garden needs and how you can help prevent future pop-ups.