how to control weeds in your yard

Approximately there are 250,000 species of plants in the world of which 8,000 types of those plants behavior matches those of weeds. A weed is defined as a plant that grows in an unwanted area without being purposely planted there. Weeds can also compete with the plants around where it grows and can ultimately kill the plant it competes with. Weeds are a problem because they compete for water, soil nutrients, and space.

There are two kinds of weeds. Weed that have already grown and are over taking other plant life or becoming an eyesore. The other kind of weeds are ones that haven’t germinated yet and have not grown or spread. The best way to control weed in your yard is some form of ground control. The first kind of ground control is with pre-emergent herbicides. This herbicide is the best for weed control. This herbicide is used for fighting seeds that haven’t germinated yet. Pre-emergence herbicides are available in both liquid and granule form. The liquid pre-emergence herbicide comes in a concentrated form and according to the label must be mixed with water. Most liquid herbicides come with an attachment for a hose so mixing isn’t needed. Granule pre-emergence herbicides are more homeowner friendly because they can be easily applied with a spreader or by hand (with gloves). But with the granule form irrigation or watering is needed in order for the herbicide to be released into the ground. Pre-emergence herbicides have to be applied in the very beginning of the growing season. Be sure to aerate before applying and not after. The way pre-emergent herbicides work is when they are applied they form a barrier around the seeds that create weeds and makes it practically impossible for weeds to grow.

The other kind of herbicide used to control weeds is Post-Emergent Herbicides. These are used for weeds that have already germinated and are rapidly growing. They are best applied when the weed is young; older weeds are harder to remove and take more treatments to kill. Post-emergence herbicides like pre-emergence herbicides come in both liquid and granule form. Most of them need to be absorbed through the weed’s leaves to be most effective without damaging grass. Post Emergent herbicides can seriously harm trees, flowers, and shrubs. Please use them with caution. Always read instructions and follow carefully when applying chemicals to your lawn.

5 tips for controlling weeds

* Attach a spray bottle of weed killer to your push/riding mower with a Velcro strip. While mowing if you spot an unsightly weed growing DO NOT mow over it. If mowed over more seeds will spread creating more weeds. Instead spray with weed killer and let dry. Then come back and mow.

* A layer of thick mulch about three to four inches can usually keep weed seeds in the soil from germinating However limit the depth to five to six inches to and pull mulch back from around shrubs and flowers to decrease plant death due to rot.

* When you sow weeds cut a toilet paper tube into thirds and put one toilet paper ring around each seed planted. It can be hard to tell the weeds from the young sprouts. This tip can help tell them apart and keep you from pulling out your sprouts while weeding.

* A lawn that is lacking in nutrients is a breeding ground for weeds so keeping your lawn healthy and cut at the right length will help combat weed growth

* Using a gardening fabric that lets in water and air won’t stop weeds completely but will slow down any weed growth from under much and rocks