Don't Let Weeds Outgrow Your Yard

Weeds (Thomas Maccubbin / August 15, 2014)

A funny thing happens during the summer.

The weeds grow big and tall. Actually it is not funny at all as some grow much larger than your flowers and shrubs. Most are sneaky growing up among the desirable plants to gradually overtake the landscape. Some even look like the desired plantings as they grow bigger and wider. I know, its hot outside and you are often tempted let them grow. You will deal with them during the fall.

Big weeds are hard to control and by the end of summer they can be intermingled with your plantings. Even though you may be a bit behind, now is the time to take control as there are several months of good growing weather ahead. And you do not want that most unfavorable weed to go to seed. Take back your landscape and prevent more growth using one or more of the following weed controls.

*Do the old fashion thing of pulling or hoeing out the weeds. This may be the only control if weeds are close to your favorite plants or have overtaken large areas of the yard.

*Spot treat the weeds with a nonselective herbicide that allows use in flower beds and near shrub plantings. Some are natural weed controls including soap and vinegar-based products. Just make sure you do not spray or treat the desirable plants and follow label instructions.

*Control grassy weeds in flower beds, shrub plantings and ground covers with an over-the-top selective herbicide. Several companies have products specifically for grassy weeds that can be used with many of your plantings following label instructions.

*After removing weeds apply a landscape fabric to the surface of the soil. Use one of these in flower beds and shrub plantings. They can be topped with stones or mulches if you wish.

*Maintain a one inch mulch layer in flower beds and up to a 3-inch layer with shrub and perennial plantings.

*Apply a preemergence herbicide made for flower and shrub plantings that prevents weed seed germination. Most can only be applied to specific established plantings so follow the label carefully.

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Don't Let Weeds Outgrow Your Yard