What Are the Most Suitable Weed Control Methods?
Although it’s tempting to label every unwanted plant a weed, there are only few weeds that become problematic and invasive. Often we turn to dangerous chemicals to help us battle weeds, but several weeds are very resistant to chemical control techniques and may respond better to other weed control measures. Having these weed control methods in your arsenal will ensure weeds don’t stand a chance in your lawn.
Why Should You Control Weed Growth?
Weeds affect plants’ growth by competing with them for soil, nutrients, space, and water. In some cases, weeds overpower and kill young plants. If left uncontrolled, it become hosts for different plant pests and diseases, causing more headaches for the homeowner.
What Are the General Categories of Weed Control Methods?
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Preventive Methods of Weed Control
Prevention is crucial in weed management. A weed infestation that has gone awry and increased over time will require extensive control methods. Therefore, it’s essential to adopt measures to prevent it from occurring.
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Cultural Methods to Control Weed Growth
Most weeds are invasive and opportunistic; cultural control or a healthy lawn maintenance practice such as regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will help slow down or even prevent their growth.
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Chemical Methods of Weed Growth Control
The application or use of herbicides to control weed growth is known as chemical weed control. Herbicides are the most time-efficient and effective means of eliminating weeds. There are many chemical products available for this control; ensure you get an herbicide created not to harm plants surrounding the weed.
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Biological Methods to Control Weed Growth
This weed control method uses living agents that naturally suppress weed growth. Another name for the biological weed control method is integrated pest management (IPM) or insect bio-control. Insects such as tansy flea beetle, cinnabar moth, and chrysolira beetle are used in this method. Other living agents used are grazing animals, fungi, or bacteria.
Methods to Control Your Weeds
Maintaining a healthy lawn is a great way to control weed infestation on your property. Here are a few tips on how to achieve that.
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Mowing and Cutting
Mowing your lawn can decelerate seed production and limit weed growth, especially before the weed flowers. Consider using this method alongside herbicides application to get rid of weeds effectively.
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Weed Pulling
Uprooting weeds is another effective weed control method. This treatment is best when applied to annuals, shrubs, and tap-rooted plants. Consider using weed wrenches if you can’t pull with your bare hand, although this method is ineffective against deep-rooted weeds.
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Mulching
This method is done in relatively small areas to prevent the weed from accessing sunlight. So it becomes difficult for weed seeds to germinate and retain moisture. It also has the additional benefits of providing nutrients to the grass as it decomposes. Weed infestation is inevitable; therefore consider enriching your soil by incorporating lawn maintenance measures to limit its chances. You can do this yourself or contact Eden, a professional landscaping company offering various lawn maintenance services such as mulching, grass cutting, and fertilizer application, to handle it. Visit our website today to get a quote and get started.