Prevent Growing Weeds
Applying too much fertilizer could help the weeds grow even faster, while too little may lead to weaker lawns that can’t compete with the weeds.
Along with pests and diseases, weeds are a gardener’s worst enemies. They spread fast and far, soaking up sunlight and stealing nutrients from the soil. If left to grow, they can rapidly overrun lawns and lead to the death of other plants.
This guide will explore some ways to prevent weeds from growing.
Use the right amount of fertilizer
Fertilizer is full of vital plant nutrients, like nitrogen and potassium. Unfortunately, weeds love those nutrients and use them to grow bigger and stronger. Therefore, using fertilizer correctly is essential to keep plants strong without nurturing the weeds too much.
Applying too much fertilizer could help the weeds grow even faster, while too little may lead to weaker lawns that can’t compete with the weeds. Instead, use the right amount, as recommended on the packaging or in the instruction manual, and use controlled-release fertilizers for best results.
Water and mow the lawn correctly
Watering a lawn is vital to help it grow, but watering too often helps weeds spread faster. It’s best to opt for infrequent, deep watering. This provides the right conditions for grass to grow without helping the weeds too much.
Mowing the lawn correctly is also a smart way to promote grass growth and reduce the risks of weeds. Don’t mow too low to the ground; this weakens the grass and lets more light reach the weeds below. Instead, try to mow at a height between two to four inches.
Use mulch to cover up weeds
Like almost any other plant, weeds thrive in sunlight and need plenty of it to grow big and strong. By depriving them of light, it’s possible to prevent them from ever growing too big. Mulch can help with this.
Spread mulch over weeds to form a barrier that blocks out the light. Shredded bark is a super choice, as it’s heavy enough not to blow away on windy days. To stop weeds growing on paths, sprinkle sawdust over them. This has the double benefit of blocking light and reducing nitrogen levels in the soil, making it tougher for weeds to thrive.
Make use of pre-emergent herbicides
When weeds spread too far, herbicides or weed killers are often the only way to eliminate them. However, there are specialized herbicides that gardeners can use to prevent weeds from appearing in the first place.
They’re known as pre-emergent or pre-emergence herbicides and are effective against crabgrass and dandelions. Careful use of these products can stop weeds, but it’s important to read the label and check that they won’t harm or kill nearby plants.
Keep weeds at bay with these tips and tricks
These methods effectively keep weeds away from lawns and garden spaces. But in some cases, homeowners may need professional help. Contact a trusted lawn specialist for serious weed or pest problems in the front or backyard.
Epic Lawns LLC provides top-quality lawn care and landscaping installation and maintenance to property owners in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Lincoln Counties. Call Epic Lawns at (636) 445-0824.
