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The Definitive Guide to Control Weeds in Your Garden

Are you wondering how you can control weeds in your lawn? Did you know that there are different types of lawn weeds that you should be aware off?

If you are one of the many, who are having problems with weeds and wants to ensure that they will be able to kill the weeds for good then the information below will provide you with everything that you need to know about weeds and how to eliminate them.

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Control Weeds in Your Garden

One of the most dreaded plants by lawn owners are weeds because they don’t want to endure battling these plants which can be a difficult task. The problem with weeds is that they can easily find a way to get into your lawn and can even be viable for over fifty years.

There are a lot of lawn weeds that can quickly invade your lawn and getting to know the most common lawn weeds is essential for you to be able to spot them. This will also make sure that you know what you are dealing it.

Different Types of Weeds and How to Deal with Them

Ground Ivy

Ground ivy thrives in areas filled with shade and moisture

This weed is characterized by its square stems and the aroma it releases after you mow them. Ground ivy thrives in areas filled with shade and moisture. This weed creeps along the ground surface and spreads quickly.

Worse, this is a perennial weed that can establish its roots at the nodes. Thus, it is difficult to remove them by hand. However, you might still kill ground ivy through digging and hand pulling if the soil is moist enough.

If you want to use chemicals, you should pick a selective and post-emergent herbicide that has potent ingredients including triclopyr and dicamba.

Sedge Weeds

Sedge weeds are incredibly invasive and difficult to remove

Found in both southern and northern regions of the United States, sedge weeds are incredibly invasive and difficult to remove. One notable characteristic is how they spread in irregular patches.

In addition, sedge weeds have grass blades that are both rough and stiff. Worse, using pre-emergence herbicide won’t be effective against them. On the other hand, there are more than 12 known varieties of sedge weeds.

You first need to identify which one exists in your lawn to help you find the right herbicide. You can apply this herbicide either through spot application or through broadcast spraying if there are too many of them.

Also, you can, regularly mow the affected areas to cut off the seed heads.

Bindweed

Getting rid of bindweed

Bindweed is characterized by its flowers shaped like trumpets. They grow around the stems of other plants, which eventually smothers them to stop optimal growth.

In addition, their roots make them difficult to remove. Apart from being perennial, the white roots usually regenerate if they are broken. To kill bindweeds, you can dig them out of your garden.

With this method, you must remove all of the roots since they can regrow if you just break them. If you want a chemical solution, you can use glyphosate. However, do note that this is a non-selective herbicide so you must be careful where you use it.

Japanese Knotweed

How to get rid of japanese knotweed

The perennial Japanese Knotweed develops with canes that resemble bamboo. Unluckily, this spreads aggressively in the damaged soil, but its death is the most upsetting concern for many homeowners.

Once the Japanese Knotweed perishes, its canes remain for several years. In Europe, the appearance of these unsightly canes has lowered the value of properties.

In order to remove Japanese Knotweed, you should apply a glyphosate herbicide. You can use this either using a garden sprayer or by injecting it inside the canes.

In addition, this chemical treatment is most effective during the flowering period of the Japanese Knotweed, which is from late summer to early fall. Otherwise, you can cut and dig out the rhizomes of this weed. 

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is an invasive weed that is difficult to remove due to its deep root system.

This invasive weed is difficult to remove due to its deep root system. The spread of Bermuda grass can affect the growth of various plants such as strawberries and squash.

Worse, this weed could also damage flower beds. Thankfully, you can remove this without even having to use chemical products. You can kill this weed through heat application. 

During summer, you should water the Bermuda grass. Afterward, you must get a transparent sheet of plastic tarp to cover the weeds. To keep the tarp in place, you can place rocks or any heavy object on the corners.

After a month, the Bermuda grass would have likely died due to too much heat.

Quack Grass

Elymus repens commonly known as Quack grass

Source: Wikipedia

This cool-season perennial weed has been observed to affect crop yields. At worse, they can decrease the yield by as much as 95 percent. Thus, ignoring the spread of quack grass can result in financial losses.

To kill quack grass, you can plow or mow them as many times as necessary. Of course, you can use glyphosate herbicide to get rid of the quack grass.

We recommend that you deeply irrigate the affected area before and after you apply the herbicide. Ideally, you should consider mechanical methods along with herbicide treatment to ensure the removal of quack grass.

Canada Thistle

Canada thistle is a perennial weedwhich is known to quickly spread not just in farms and pastures but also on roadsides and abandoned areas

This perennial weed is known to quickly spread not just in farms and pastures but also on roadsides and abandoned areas. Once the Canada thistle infests an area, the cattle won’t consume grass in that area.

Thus, a fully infested pasture will lead to starving livestock. Within a year, a single Canada thistle could invade an area measuring six feet in diameter. You can mow the meadows to kill Canada thistle. 

However, you have to do this every two months for several seasons. Also, you need to do this while applying herbicide. In particular, weed control products containing picloram, clopyralid, dicamba, and chlorsulfuron work well against Canada thistle.

Also read: How to Kill Thistle In Your Garden

Burdock

Burdock are one of the most difficult weeds to completely remove

One of the most difficult weeds to completely remove is burdock. Once a burdock seed head breaks open, thousands of burdock seeds get scattered in many directions and distances.

Also, burdock weeds can cling to people and animals to spread in other areas. Animals, plants, and humans can suffer from burdock weeds. Cattle could develop mouth sores, skin complications, and eye infections.

Consequently, your plants can succumb to root rot and other diseases that burdock weeds carry. Moreover, some people suffer from allergic reactions due to the bristles.

When the burdock weeds are still small and young, you can pull or dig them out by hand. Once they have grown, however, you have to be careful. If you want to mow the tall burdock weeds, you must ensure that they haven’t bloomed yet.

Otherwise, mowing will help spread the burdock seeds. Of course, you can use glyphosate to remove them.

Spurge

Spurge weeds have reddish stems and they form circular patterns

This annual weed can quickly spread during the summer season due to the hot temperature. The leaves can be hairy and purple or red in color. Likewise, spurge weeds have reddish stems and they form circular patterns.

One of the reasons why this weed is harmful is its sap. While the sap can be consumed by goats and sheep without any worries, it is poisonous to cows and other animals – irritating both their mouths and digestive tracts.

Moreover, humans also must not come in contact with the sap of spurge weeds. Otherwise, they could develop blisters or rashes. In order to kill spurges, you can use herbicide.

Similarly, you should apply pre-emergence herbicide during the spring and fall seasons to stop spurges from successfully germinating. If you do not want to use herbicides, you could simply pull out them out.

Just remember to include the roots so they do not grow back. Also, a dense and well-maintained area of healthy plants can limit their spread.

Wild Onion and Garlic

Two of the most common weeds that can grow during cooler seasons are the wild onion and garlic

Two of the most common weeds that can grow during cooler seasons are the wild onion and garlic. Weeds usually grow during the early days of spring or during the winter where the warmer season is more dominant.

Wild onion plants have stems that are solid while the garlic weeds have stems that are hollow. Both of these weeds are spread by bulbs and seeds and can usually appear in the lawn that is thin.

Wild onion and garlic are both hard to control but you can easily hand-pull them. You will need a selective herbicide broadleaf for you to be able to kill them successfully.

Common Purslane

Purslane is known to grow during the summer

A weed that is known to grow during the summer is the common purslane which consists of a taproot and fibrous roots that have the ability to form along stems that are sprawling.

Typically, this plant spreads by the fragments of the stem or seeds which can be rooted and established in the soil. If your lawn is not well watered, then you definitely should expect to see some common purslane. 

You can remove this weed by hand pulling them and make sure to gather all the fragments of the stem for them to avoid growing.

Hairy Bittercress

Hairy Bittercress is a weed that grows during the winter and summer seasons

A weed that grows during the winter and summer seasons is the hairy bittercress. This type of weed can appear to soils that are too moist. You will notice that there are leaves that will be forming to the ground’s turf and white flowers will start appearing on the stalks that are above the leaves.

You can quickly hand pull these weeds, but if your lawn is experiencing significant infestation then applying herbicide is essential.

Prickly Lettuce

Prickly lettuce is known as the winter plant in the southern part region

An annual type of weed that lives during the cooler seasons is the prickly lettuce and is known as the winter plant in the southern part regions. This kind of weed is typically seen in soils that are disturbed, but they can also infest the lawns that have nutrient rich soil and well-irrigated ones.

The lettuce leaves have prickles and can be uncomfortable to step on. You can remove these weeds by hand pulling them or by using a herbicide. Maintain your lawn to avoid prickly lettuce from forming.

Oxalis

Oxalis are most commonly seen in mulch and as well as in lawns that are well fed and are moist

A perennial weed that usually spreads by creeping seeds and stems is the oxalis. The leaves are like that of a clover and flowers that are yellow will often appear on the top of the plant.

They are most commonly seen in mulch and as well as in lawns that are well fed and are moist. You can get rid of these plants by hand pulling them treating the patches using herbicides.

Henbit

Henbit is a winter weed

A winter weed that is part of the mint family is the henbit, wherein the plant roots and spreads along the stems. Pink and purple blooms will start to appear on the top part of the stems and above the leaves that are colored in green.

If you notice some henbit on your lawn, this just means that the soil is fertile. You can get rid of this weed by hand pulling them and by applying herbicide to ensure that their germination will be interrupted.

Violet

Violet weeds can take over the entire lawn

When lawns are too thin because of some conditions, the violet weeds appear. You will notice bloomers that are purple and have flowers that are lavender and white in shades.

The violet weeds can take over the entire lawn. You can get rid of these weeds by using a herbicide, just make sure to follow the instructions religiously for it to kill the weeds effectively.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is the bane of many corn growers due to how it can quickly reduce corn yield

This weed is the bane of many corn growers due to how it can quickly reduce corn yield. The crabgrass can become the host to various plant diseases such as leaf blast and mosaic virus.

During the summer season, you can find new crabgrass growing while also creating seed heads. In addition, you cannot just mow crabgrass to remove them.

Killing crabgrass can be difficult, which is why people are looking for different ways on how they can get rid of them. If you are one of these people, then the information below will serve you well.

Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Killers

Pre-emergent crabgrass killers are products that have the ability to kill weeds during their earliest growth of stage. Usually, you can apply pre-emergent killers during the early days of spring before the weeds for the warmer season appear.

This type of herbicide is useful all throughout the season of growing. But put in mind that different kinds of weeds tend to grow at different times, so applying the herbicide repeatedly is advisable for you to be able to eliminate your lawn’s weeds.

How to Prevent Crabgrass

For people who don’t know, crabgrass can spread quickly, especially during the hot summer days. During the middle of summer all throughout the early days of fall, each crabgrass can produce thousands of its seeds.

But the plants will be killed by the first frost, while the remaining seeds will be dominant all throughout the winter. Once the temperature starts to warm up, the seeds will then start to grow.

You can prevent this from happening by following the tips below:

Mowing

One of the most efficient things to do is to mow your lawn at intervals as this will help the grass to maintain a length that is consistent. You need to check the required heights for the grass type that you have and make sure to cut the lawn at the highest setting that is recommended.

Keeping the grass as thick and as well as long as they can be is essential because crabgrass needs a lot of sunlight for it to germinate. Just make sure not to cut the lawn too short because patches can appear where crabgrass and other types of weeds can start growing.

Grass Blades

It is advisable to avoid cutting the grass blade more than a third when you are mowing. The reason behind this is because removing the leaves more will let the sun to reach the weeds and can also injure the healthy grass that you have in your lawn.

Watering the Lawn

For people who have lawns that are well established, it would be best to water in heavy and long intervals. The reason behind this is because if you water them irregularly the roots of the grass will grow deeper, which is needed for the turf grass to remain healthy.

The best collapsible garden hose is also the easiest and cheapest solution if you have not set up a sprinkler system yet.. It would be ideal to water your lawn with an inch of water every single week from irrigation or rain.

Fertilizing

Of course, to keep your lawn healthy and away from weeds, it is ideal to feed the grass at least once every single year. You may opt to choose a rotary lawn fertilizer spreader and make a couple of passes on your lawn to ensure its strength.

Now, to prevent crabgrass, it would be best to apply pre-emergent during the later days of the winter season or early days of spring to ensure that you can prevent the seeds of crabgrass from developing.

Controlling Crabgrass

Now, if the crabgrass has already established itself in the lawn, then using herbicides is the next option that you have. Pre-emergent crabgrass killers are ideal to ensure that the seedlings will be killed before they can even start to germinate.

Here are some tips on how you can control crabgrass from invading your lawn:

Apply Herbicide at the Right Time

When using herbicides, it is essential to apply it depending on the weather and will usually also differ from the region that you are living in. If you are living in an area where it is mostly warm all throughout the year, then applying the pre-emergent herbicide earlier is important.

Typically, you can use it once the temperature of the ground reached above sixty degrees. You will know that the ground is warmer when you start noticing trees budding and shrubs blooming.

If you have just seeded your lawn, it would be best to wait after your third mowing task for you to avoid damaging and killing the newest seedlings. Once your garden is ready, you can start applying the herbicide in a uniform manner and make sure that you are not missing a spot, where crabgrass can appear.

Broadleaf Weed

Broadleaf weed is a term that is being used in a big number of plant types, which almost have the same patterns of broadleafs

Are you having problems with broadleaf weeds? Get to know broadleaf weeds and how you can get rid of them by reading the information below.

Where Do Broadleaf Weeds Come From?

Broadleaf weed is a term that is being used in a big number of plant types, which almost have the same patterns of broadleafs. Broadleaf weed is a plant that is growing in the lawn that doesn’t look like that of grass.

They can all be treated with a certain kind of herbicide, so killing them is easy. Broadleaf weeds include dandelions, bindii, clover, wild grasses, caster, and other types of weeds.

Broadleaf weed seed can occur in almost all the soils and can even live for 30 years or even more. Most of the seeds are prolific producers and have the ability to disperse into the lawn from miles and miles away.

People who are buying bags or boxes of grass seeds that are inexpensive and are poor in quality may include broadleaf seeds that are unwanted.

Controlling Broadleaf Weeds

Mowing

One of the most common ways on how you can control broadleaf weeds is by mowing at least 3 to 3.5 inches of grass. It is ideal to frequently mow your grass but make sure to not remove at a third of the leaf’s blade in just one pass.

When mowing during the spring season, it would be ideal to mow twice every single week, and one a week during the summer season.

Irrigation

Irrigate your lawn infrequently and deeply. Your goal is to let the water be absorbed deep into the soil until it reaches the roots. Once you are done, stop watering the lawn and wait for the initial sign of dryness from the ground.

Typically, if you see a hue of bluish gray on the grass, it signifies that the soil is already experiencing drought, which is then the sign that you need to water the lawn now.

Fertilization

For you to be able to create a lawn that is dense, you need to apply a fertilizer that is consists of two to four pounds of nitrogen for every thousand feet every single year. If you notice some clover weeds in your lawn, this is a clear indicator that your lawn is deficient in nitrogen.

Apply sixty to a hundred percent of nitrogen during the fall season, which means that you need to apply one in the month of September and another during November once you are done mowing.

Create Shades

It would be best to grow turf grasses that are tolerant to shade, including fine rescued and another prune tree to ensure that your lawn is getting the right amount of sunlight. This will keep your lawn healthy without the weeds getting the sunlight away from your grasses.

Getting Rid of Broadleaf Weeds

Broadleaf Weed Killers

One of the ways on how you can kill them is by applying broadleaf weed killers, which is a kind of herbicide. It can kill different types of weeds that usually develops in most home lawns today.

Typically, it can already kill a lot of weeds during the initial application. There may be weeds that will remain, but they can just be identified and easily be treated already.

Application of Broadleaf Weed Killers

You can just apply the broadleaf weed killer by spraying them into the lawn. But make sure to spray a week before or after you do the mowing task. The reason behind this is because it will let the grass heal from the mowing. 

It will also make sure that the lawn will be able to absorb the chemicals that will help kill the weeds. After applying the broadleaf weed killers, it would be best not to water the lawn after you used the herbicides.

It would be best for the lawn not to get any water as this will let the herbicide penetrate the pesky weeds that are developing or have already developed before the rain washes them away.

Above is all the information that you need when it comes to broadleaf weed killers and how you can keep the broadleaf weed away from your lawns.

Dandelion

Dandelion is one big problem because it will push through the grass and the other types of plants, which can damage them in the long run

Did you know that the beautiful looking yellow flower in your lawn can be a dandelion weed? Are you having an infestation of these dandelion weeds in your lawn? If so, then getting to know what this weed is and the dandelion weed killer is essential.

What is Dandelion?

Dandelions are beautiful yellow flowers that children are fond of playing with. But for gardeners, this is one big problem because dandelions will push through the grass and the other types of plants, which can damage them in the long run.

They will also get the nutrients and the water away from the plants in your lawn, which is a big problem. Controlling dandelion can also be a problem because of the fluffiness that it has and the seeds that are far floating.

If you want to get rid of these pesky dandelion weeds, then using a dandelion weed killer is the solution.

Getting Rid of Dandelion Weed

Fortunately, there are different ways on how you can get rid of the dandelion weed, but these ways should be done annually. The reason behind this is because the seeds have the ability to travel when the seeds are being blown by the wind. 

This is also the reason why it can be impossible to remove these weeds in your lawn permanently.

Using Herbicides

Two different kinds of herbicides work perfectly with dandelions, which are the broadleaf herbicide and the non-selective herbicides. The broadleaf herbicide can effectively kill dandelions that develop on home lawns.

You don’t have to worry about anything because they are safe to use since they won’t kill the grass in your lawn. The non-selective herbicide, on the other hand, will kill whatever plant in its way. 

This is a great herbicide to kill dandelion and as well as the ones in the walkway and the ones in the flower beds. Now once the flowers of the dandelions emerge, it might be difficult for the herbicides to get rid of them.

Hand Pulling

Another way on how you can get rid of dandelion weeds is by hand pulling them during the spring season, where the first seedlings start to appear. You can purchase a tool that can hep you pull the dandelion off the ground, or you can also use your hand to do this.

If you choose this method, you need to make sure that you are not only pulling the top part but as well as the taproot that it has, which is usually deep in the soil. You need to check your lawns every week, for you to ensure that you will be able to hand pull the dandelions as soon as they re-emerge.

Pre-Emergent Control

You can prevent the seeds from developing with the use of a pre-emergent control. This chemical is advisable to be applied during the late winter season for it to be effective.

The reason behind this is because after winter, the seeds will start germinating but if you apply a pre-emergency control, the seeds will no longer have the chance to germinate.

It is strongly advisable to prevent them from germinating because once you see the fluffy heads appearing on your lawn, they can immediately multiply, which can be hard to control.

Homemade Dandelion Killers

You can also use homemade dandelion killers by pouring in boiling water over them several times every single day. The flowers will then start withering in as little as three days.

Another homemade killer is the vinegar, which you can quickly spray on your dandelions. You may also boil the vinegar to create the acetic acid to be concentrated as this will inevitably create a potent killer.

For a more practical outcome, start pulling the dandelion out of the soil and spray the root to kill anything that has been left beneath. Putting salt is essential as this is a sure way to kill the weed.

You can spread the salt on the dandelion when it starts emerging through the lawn. Just make sure to avoid putting the salt to other parts of the lawn, as this will kill the good and healthy plants as well.

These are all the dandelion weed killers that will surely remove the plants that have been invading your lawn for a long time.


How to Get Rid of Weeds

There are physical/mechanical methods, biological, chemical, and cultural approaches to kill weeds. Get to know how you can kill them effectively, by reading the information below.

Weed hand pulling is known as the oldest yet effective way of controlling weed

Physical and Mechanical Weed Control

Physical and mechanical methods include the use of hand and machinery that can be operated by machine or manpower. This approach is also known as the most pricey and time consuming way of killing the weeds.

Hand Pulling

Weed hand pulling is known as the oldest yet effective way of controlling weed. You can easily uproot the weeds after the rain or after soaking the soil during irrigation.

You can do the hand pulling method before the weed reaches flowering stage as this will prevent them from spreading and seeding.

Tillage

Tillage is known as the most practical ways on how you can kill weeds. One of the ways that you can do the tillage is by ploughing deep and exposing the weeds under the sun’s heat.

You can also cut and bury the weeds using a blade since this is the most efficient way to destroy weeds that have recently germinated.

Biological Method of Weed Control

The biological method is the approach wherein the plant’s invasive enemies are used to lessen the impact. The purpose is to ensure that the weeds will be reunited with the enemies to achieve a weed control that is sustainable.

Classical Method

The Classical biological process is where insects that are involved in hosting the weeds’ natural enemies for them. This method is one of the most efficient ways to kill weeds since it can control the nature range of the plant.

The target of this plan is to kill perennials that live longer and are hard to control using traditional methods.

Inundative Method

The inundative is where a large quantity of control agent is applied to the weeds. Once the soil identifies the inundative method, the propagules will then be produced in larger quantities through the techniques of fermentation.

Chemical Weed Control Method

When it comes to chemical method, the weeds are killed using herbicides and is mostly used in managing integrated weeds. People are using herbicides because it requires a small amount of time to apply.

It is also very cost-effective, and you no longer have to wait for the weeds to grow before you can use herbicides.

How to Get Rid of Weeds

Using Chemical Method

When using a herbicide, it is ideal that you carefully read and religiously follow the instruction on the product’s label. This includes using the recommended water rate and applying the product in your lawn uniformly.

When spraying the herbicide, it is ideal to spray it at a height o fifty centimeters above the lawn. You also need to ensure that you are spraying perpendicular to the direction of the wind to make sure that the product is being applied directly to the lawn.

Safety Precautions

If you prefer using the chemical method, it would be best to use protective equipment for your mouth, nose, hands, eyes, and head. Wearing long pants and sleeved shirts would be essential, and a closed footwear is also required.

These are all ideal when it comes to mixing the product and applying it to the lawn since chemicals can cause harmful effects to your health.

Cultural Weed Management

Cultural method or the use of a crop rotation is known to be an important aspect when it comes to farming organically. This is also important because it will help control the weeds that are growing in your lawn.

This method would ensure that the evolution of the plant will not be resistant to herbicides if you decided to use some on your lawn.

Using Cultural Method

Using cultural method is effective, but it is underused because of the many ways on how to kill weeds. The best thing to do when using this method is to ensure that you are following the right practices.

The methods include preparing a seeded and the utilization of seeds that are high in quality. Early planting, proper liming and fertilization should also be practiced.


Natural Weed Killers

One of the most effective ways on how you can get rid of weeds on your lawn is with the use of a natural weed killer, without causing any harm to the environment.

Some people think that all natural weed killers are all made out of organic ingredients, but most of the products in the stores are still using chemicals to help kill these plants.

If you are looking for some of the best natural weed killer products that you can use for your lawn, then the information below will surely be useful for you.

What are Natural Weed Killers?

Lawns are usually being destroyed by weeds, which is why they are considered as plants that are not needed by most gardeners. This is the reason why more and more lawn owners are looking for an effective solution to kill weeds.

One of the products that are gaining popularity is the natural weed killer ones because they don’t usually contain chemicals. Typically, products that are natural are known to be affordable compared to the ones that are made out of chemicals. 

Natural weed killers are now available specifically in home improvement stores and gardening centers.

Why Should Use Natural Weed Killer?

One of the main reasons why using a natural product is essential is because they are not toxic. You no longer have to worry about your children because they can comfortably and safely play on the lawn right after applying the product.

Another reason is that they are not harmful to the grass and will not be able to damage the lawn’s soil. Products that have chemicals can harm the ground, which you surely don’t want to happen.

If you have edible plants, then you no longer have to worry because they won’t do damage to your vegetables and fruits. The qualities won’t be affected as well, which means that you can still be able to kill weeds even with your plants around it.

Some Good Natural Weed Killer Products

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer is made out of gluten corn meal and can be fed to the lawn to make sure that the color is well maintained while preventing the development of weeds.

This can be applied twice every year during early fall and spring. Espoma is safe for pets and children since it is organic.

Avenger Organic Weed Killer Concentrate

Avenger Organic Weed Killer Concentrate

Avenger Organic Weed Killer Concentrate is known as a fast acting weed killer, wherein you can see results in as little as two hours. The contents are biodegradable and can quickly dissipates. You can let your kids and pets play on the lawn since Avenger is a non-toxic product.

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Preen Garden Weed Preventer will immediately stop the growing of weeds. It is also known to be safely used around two hundred types of shrubs, trees, vegetables, and flowers. The perfect time to apply this is during fall, summer, or spring.

How Do the Organic Weed Killers Work?

Organic weed killers are known as reactive, and they have the ability to disrupt the organic material of the plant by reacting with it. They will also be able to make the cells very leaky and can provide a shock that is sharp before it stops working.

Usually, the organic weed killer’s effectiveness will depend on the type and the size of the plant. An organic one will work on the weeds that are 4 inches in length or less.

If you are trying to kill perennial weeds that are mature, then dousing them twice would be best to ensure that they will die. If you want to achieve a better result in using organic weed killers, then it would be best to apply it on weeds that are still young and during sunny or hot days.

Keeping your lawn and your entire garden healthy is essential, which is why using an efficient weed killer is important. Always remember to immediately kill a weed when you see one or prevent them from growing by using the natural weed killer available in the market today.


Weed and Feed for Lawns

Are you planning to use weed and feed on your lawn but is having second thoughts because of the little information that you know about the product? If so, then the information below will surely help you decide if using weed and feed for lawns is essential for the lawn that you have or not.

What is Weed and Feed?

Weed and Feed is one of the most popular and shared products for weeding that is being used by most lawn and garden owners. This is the product that it sold in plastic bottles that have nozzles or ones that can be attached to the hose to be applied on the lawn.

Weed Portion

The weed content contains broadleaf herbicides that can help you attack weeds that are green and leafy, dollar weed, and as well as dandelions.

The chemical will then sit and be absorbed by the leaves of the weed itself. This means that your grass will remain safe while keeping the weeds away from them.

Feed Portion

The feed content, on the other hand, has a combination of potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen to help your lawn maintain its green color.

The blend of the ingredients in this fertilizer will depend on the brand that you are going to purchase.

Some products have more benefits, including nitrogen that is time released to help the feeding’s life to be extended.

Weed and Feed for Lawns

Pros and Cons of Weed and Feed

Every product has pros and cons and so as for weed and feeder. Knowing what they will help you to decide whether this product is for you or not.

Pros

Weed and feed can successfully kill the weeds that are appearing on your lawn.

Just like the chemically made ones, this can work by cutting the work that you have been doing shortly.

People who don’t have the time to hand pull the weeds or even create a compost that is organic, then the weed and feed can help you.

Cons

As much as weed and feed can help you get rid of the weeds on your lawn, they are not safe for the majority of the plants, the environment, and as well as to the people.

According to a study made, lawns that are using weed and feed on their lawns are experiencing a high amount of chemicals that are harmful inside the home rather than outside.

The reason behind this is because the chemicals that didn’t have the chance to be broken down are being washed away, which will end up in the water source of the home.

How to Use Weed-and-Feed Safely

Now if you decided to use a weed and feed for your lawn still, the knowing how you can apply it is essential. Here are some of the tips on how you can use the weed and feed safely and right for it to successfully achieve its purpose.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Start by wearing the appropriate clothing when it comes to gardening. Since you are going to apply weed and feed, it would be best to wear long sleeves, long pants, and a pair of gloves during the application process, since the chemical in it can cause irritation.

Mowing Your Lawn

lawn mower

The next thing that you need to do is to mow your lawn since the lawn should have a standard height or a measurement of three to five inches. If you have just mowed your lawn then waiting for a couple of days before applying the weed and feed is essential to ensure that the grass is protected.

Application

When applying the weed and feed, make sure to uniformly spread them across your lawn for you to be able to achieve the best results. You need to avoid spreading the weed and feed to shrubs, vegetables, and flowers since this can be harmful to them.

Keep Children and Pets Off

After application, you need to make sure that children and pets will not play on the lawn since the chemicals are still being absorbed. Ensure that the granules are dissolved completely before you let anyone play or step on the grass.

These are all the information that you need when it comes to weed and feed for lawns. If you are unsure on how you can properly apply weed and feed, then you can call a professional to do it for you. 


Now You Know How to Control Weeds in Your Garden

Everything that you need to know from the most common lawn weeds and how you can get rid of them is above, and all you have to do is to follow these tips religiously, for you to ensure that your lawn remains healthy and free of weeds.

About the Author Ann Katelyn

I'm Ann Katelyn, Creator and Chief Author of Sumo Gardener. Since I was a child I've always been fascinated with plants and gardens, and as an adult this has developed into my most loved hobby. I have dedicated most of my life to gardening and started Sumo Gardener as a way to express my knowledge about gardening with the hope of helping other people's gardens thrive.

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2 Comments

Abraham says:

Your article is very help for us who are struggling with weed control in our home garden.

Keep up the good posting, Ann.
Thanks