Got weeds? Before you pick up that chemical spot spray, learn more about alternative natural weed control methods.

Natural Weed Control Methods

For those who want to get rid of weeds but don’t want to kill other plants in the process, there are some more natural methods of weed control.

• Manual weeding. Sometimes, if you want to do something right, you have to do it yourself. Manually pulling weeds from the ground is an effective method of weed control, but only if you remove the entire root.
• Edging. Create a physical barrier, like lawn edgings and retaining walls, to help keep weeds at bay. These can be made out of anything from stone and brick to pressure-treated decking boards. Design a continuous edge around your lawn and garden.
• Grazing. Larger fields of weeds are the perfect place for animals to graze. Goats, horses, cows, and other weed-eaters even help break up the soil with their hooves.
• Cooking. If you can’t beat them, eat them! But first, make sure the weeds you’re growing are edible. The greens from dandelions, dock, and chicory could add color to certain recipes.
• Adapt. If none of these methods are working for you, maybe it’s time to look at weeds a little differently. Weeds are native plants that are designed to thrive in certain areas, that’s why it’s so hard to get rid of them. Some are havens for pollinators, especially in early spring when other flowers haven’t bloomed yet.

Weed Control Tools

Weed control is only as effective as the tool you use. Here are few more environmentally friendly options.

• Common household items. Break out the salt, vinegar, and even boiling water to help kill weeds. Just be careful where you use it. Some of these ingredients can kill grass and other plants, so it’s best to check first or only use in areas you want to keep bare, like pathways and barriers.
• Mulch. Not only does organic mulch help improve your soil so that plants you want to grow will thrive, but it also acts as a barrier to any unwanted weeds.
• Landscape fabric or newspaper. Layer with mulch or straw for added protection.
• Trowel. For those who opt for the manual hand-pulling method, make it a little easier to get to the root of the problem with a handy garden tool. Wait until after it rains for the soft soil to make it even easier!
• Lawnmower. While this won’t kill weeds, it will make them a little less noticeable and keep them from reseeding.
• Taller grass and ground cover plants. Give the invaders a fair fight by keeping your grass and other plants healthy. This makes more competition for the weeds to grow.

Contact Cardinal Lawns for more tips and tricks to dealing with weeds, whether you want to get rid of them or not.