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Weeds are more than just a pesky problem; they’re unattractive, they’re a challenge to get rid of, and without proper prevention, they can have devastating consequences on your yard and the health of your loved ones. These exact reasons are why weed control is a lawn maintenance necessity.
Why Get Rid of Weeds?
Weeds are parasitic plants that can do major damage to landscapes. They take up valuable resources that desired plants need, including light, nutrients, soil, space, and water. Some weeds carry crop diseases and produce toxic chemicals. For instance, poison hemlock is a neurotoxic weed that can have a lethal effect on a child’s or pet’s nervous system if accidentally ingested. Getting rid of these dangerous weeds requires swift action, as they typically produce a lot of seeds and spread rapidly.
Different Types of Weeds
Today, there are 8,000 weed-like plants growing all over the world. Some of the most common weeds include dandelions, crabgrass, white clovers, quickweeds, and nettles. The dangerous weeds, like poison hemlock, poison ivy, oleander, and bittersweet nightshade, should be handled with care. Using a horticulture database for your region may help you classify your weeds. Once you know what type of plants you are dealing with, you will be able to better address your weed problem.
How to Get Rid of Weeds
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Weed by hand. Weeding by hand is a more practical approach for small lawns with annual large-leafed weeds. The most effective method requires pulling the weeds while they are young and before they bloom. When pulling the weeds, it’s important to pull the entire plants, with the roots. Leaving any roots behind may allow the plants to continue growing. Regularly water the area so that the plants and roots are easier to pull, and use a knife or trowel for tough roots.
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Natural solutions. There are different natural weed-killing methods for different plants. Covering low-growing weeds like crabgrass with newspapers can prevent the weeds from getting sunlight, eventually killing them. Pouring vinegar on weeds with long roots, like dandelions, will eliminate the plants within days. You can also pour boiling water on weeds to kill them, but be careful: any desirable plants near the weeds may die as well.
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Herbicides. Chemical weed control will eliminate the unattractive plants, but they can also kill the turf and the desired plants. You can use herbicides to prevent the weed seeds from growing or to treat plants that have already matured. Apply the chemical treatment yourself, or contact a Best Pick lawn treatment contractor for assistance.
A weed-free lawn has a host of benefits. Not having weeds in your yard boosts curb appeal, protects loved ones, and makes the yard more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter which method you use to eliminate weeds, as long as you treat them as quickly as possible.