Pests, Weeds & Problems

Common burdock (Arctium minus) is a weed that can take an economic toll on farmers. Damage caused by its burrs can reduce the value of sheep wool. Cattle that eat it produce bitter-tasting milk....

Plantago rugelii, or blackseed plantain as it is commonly called, is a perennial weed that is often found in turfgrass. It survives repeated mowing by growing as ground-hugging rosettes. There are...

Homeowners often have to deal with crabgrass. This weed is a common one in lawns and may not be easy to get rid of once it is established. The best thing a homeowner can do is to stop crabgrass...

This simple but effective method was actually a solution my sister came up with for a 3 foot wide x 375 feet long area that was outside her stockade fence. She had to leave about 3 feet of room...

Thistle is a large plant with round purple blooms and sharp needle-like thorns. There over 50 different types of thistles. Thistle is often found growing in empty lots and alongside roads. It is...

Velvetleaf is an annual weed that grows as tall as 8 feet and can cause a great deal of damage in field crops as well as smaller vegetable and flower gardens. Because velvetleaf produces seeds...

Clover is considered a weed when it is found in lawns, though some homeowners like it for its look and ability to surpass other weeds. Clover weed should be attacked as soon as it's seen, since...

Is your yard being invaded by those common purple thistles? Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense), often referred to as Canada thistle, can appear to be a very attractive flowering plant at first...

Canadian thistle is an invasive weed common in North America that's tough to get rid of. With its prickly leaves and rapid growth, Canadian thistle can overtake a lawn, garden, or field overnight....

Worldwide, there are around 500 species of stinging nettle, sometimes called Tread Softly, Bull Nettle, or Finger Rot. While those found in the U.S. sting the skin, the discomfort doesn't last...

Crabgrass is actually a type of harmful weed that grows in lawns and yards. These weeds spread quickly, killing your regular grass and taking over your lawn. Bermuda grass is similar to crabgrass...

Crab grass is unsightly and extraordinarily difficult to remove once it has taken hold in your lawn. The only way to remove crab grass from your lawn without risking damage to the desirable grass...

Horsetail weed is one of the oldest plants known on earth and may have been around for the dinosaurs' salad bar. This plant is a great nuisance today, but traditionally was harvested and used as a...

Kikuyu grass can grow an inch a day taking over your lawn and killing your good grass. Called "the superweed" in California, Kikuyu was first brought to California to control erosion. It is a very...

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) can be a beautiful ground cover around trees and in gardens, but it can be very invasive and spread quickly through your garden and lawn. Lily of the...

The horsetail plant's varieties and hardiness can make it a garden pest regardless of geographical location. This ancient plant, also known as scouring rush, has very deep roots and can survive...

Carpet grass is an extremely hardy perennial that grows well in shady, high-traffic areas. The root system is very shallow so it not drought tolerant. People use it for erosion control since it...

If your lilac leaves are yellowing, it could be caused by several factors. Chemical weed killers are a common cause of yellowing leaves. Fungal or bacterial infections may also be responsible....

Granular weed killers are not fast-acting, but they work well if applied correctly. Before you start, you will need to know how to apply granular weed killer to your lawn so it works the way it is...

Crabgrass is a common weed that grows in lawns. It forms in patches or large clumps. It is an annual summer plant and grows best in full sunshine. An effective way to rid your lawn of this weed...

Creeping Charlie, also known as Creeping Jenny or ground ivy, can be a difficult garden weed to control. Introduced to North America by European settlers, the bright green plant with round leaves...

The endless battle with weeds around your garden and walkway can feel never-ending. You may have noticed unwanted plants popping up in between cracks in your patio, or perhaps grass is taking over...

Weed suppressing fabric is placed directly on the ground in gardens to help control weed growth around plants. This dark, woven material is designed to allow water in to help keep the soil warm...

Preen Weed and Grass Killer is a ready-to-use spray for the control of a broad spectrum of emerged annual and perennial weed species. Its use will effectively control unwanted species of grass,...

Common chickweed is a very prolific and hardy weed. It thrives in almost any climate and tolerates both wet and dry soil. This fast-growing plant can produce seeds continually for weeks and...

Crabgrass is a type of perennial weed common throughout North America. The Digitaria sanguinalis, or hairy crabgrass, is one of the most common species encountered by gardeners. The weed is often...

A weed barrier needs to be opaque. Roof felting meets this requirement. If you happen to have some on hand, it will make an effective weed barrier.

Wild violets (Viola papilionacea) are a native North America wildflower and are often considered a weed in landscaping. The leaves of the wild violet are heart-shaped and connect to small flowers....

Creeping Charlie weed (Glechoma hederacea), sometimes called ground ivy, is a perennial ground vine found throughout North America. Though it only reaches a maximum vertical height of about two...

Weeds are the gardener's most ardent opponent. Each week, hours are spent pulling these little intruders from your flower beds. Installing weed block fabric can drastically reduce the amount of...

Many weed killers come with special nozzle attachments. The attachments allow the weed killer to hook to a garden hose for disbursement of the weed killer chemicals. Only certain brands and...

Crown vetch, or Securigera varia, is a perennial plant consisting of creeping branches and white or pink flowers. It is sometimes used as a ground cover and to prevent erosion on hills, but can...

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent found throughout North America. The plant is relatively hardy and can grow in a variety of soils and climates. Purslane can reach as high as 15 inches....

The familiar yellow dandelion plant is a spreading perennial weed that if not controlled will eventually take over your lawn. You can battle dandelions safely and effectively with all-natural methods.

Nutgrass, also known as nutsedge, is a pesky weed that is very difficult to control. Nutgrass grows fast and spreads quickly. It is difficult to kill, and many a gardener has yanked stem after...

Nutgrass, also known as nutsedge, is a common weed found in over 90 countries around the world. Nutgrass is evasive and can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect lawn. It can also choke out flowers...

Contact with poison ivy usually causes a red, itchy rash that can last up to three weeks. The rash is caused by oils that rest on the surface of the plant and can be quite uncomfortable, which is...

Getting rid of a yucca plant in your yard or garden can be challenging. Yucca plants are a hardy succulent plant with roots that grow very deep. It takes some work to get a yucca plant to...

There's something very satisfyingly primal about picking blackberries off the vine in your own backyard to eat in hand or bake a luscious cobbler. Left unchecked, blackberry bushes can expand...

Crabgrass is a warm-season, annual weed that can be difficult to treat. Typically it thrives in hot, humid climates with plenty of direct sunlight. Below are a few tips to help prevent this...

The Craftsman Weedeater is an electrical type of weed whacker produced by the company. The weedeater is used to trim hard-to-reach areas of your yard that your lawnmower can't reach, as well as...

Thistles are tall weeds with hairy, prickly stems, spiny dark green leaves and reddish-purple flowers. It is an aggressive plant that has infested pastureland, ranges, stream banks and waste...

The ingredients in Roundup are water soluble and include glyphosate, water and a wetting agent. Glyphosate sprayed on the leaves of the weed allows the plant to absorb the chemical. Once taken in...

Crabgrass can ruin your lawn's appearance and longevity. Eliminating crabgrass can be done by homeowners inexpensively. Whether you have a few patches of crabgrass or a large amount covering your...

Using a homemade weed killer is a cost-effective alternative to pricey store brands. With only three key ingredients, you can make a solution that works to kill the weeds in your garden or lawn....

Crabgrass can be a tricky weed to kill, but a little diligence and timely treatment can get your lawn into premium, weed-free condition. Here's how to get rid of crabgrass.

There are several varieties of chickweed, mouse-ear and common chickweed, being the most prevalent. Chickweed is a hardy annual that reseeds itself, and except for areas with deep winter freezing,...

Grape Vines are sensitive to weed killers and herbicides but because the grapes are eaten, great care must be taken to ensure safe application of any chemicals. Weed control helps to prevent soil...

Salt works as a weed killer primarily because it is a desiccant. Salt absorbs moisture from any nearby source. When dry salt is sprinkled on plant leaves, a process called 'exosmosis' occurs: the...

Salt is a good weed killer because it is effective, inexpensive and commonly available. Salt poured directly on a plant will 'burn' it by drawing the water content out of its leaves. Salt solution...