How to Landscape to Keep the Weeds Down

Grow your plants a bit closer than recommended to discourage weeds.

Weed management is often the least enjoyable aspect of gardening -- that is, if weed management means pulling weeds only to have them grow right back. Weeds managed in this manner is very difficult, labor intensive and time consuming, so these gardeners often give up and let the weeds take over. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, implement several effective gardening practices that together discourage weeds so you can spend your time caring for plants and grass, and the rest of the time enjoying your landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicides
• Annuals
• Edging
• Mulch
• Garden hose
• Fertilizers

Instructions

1. Remove the weeds before you plant your garden, trees and shrubs. Pull them all, ensuring you get the roots, or apply an appropriate postemergence herbicide. If the weeds have not grown yet, apply a preemergence herbicide for the type of weeds common in your landscape. Timing is critical when applying herbicides, so read the labels carefully.

2. Grow your plants 2 or 3 inches closer than the spacing recommended on their labels or by garden websites and books. This practice leaves less space for weeds to grow, especially after the plants fill in the space -- which will take less time than if they were planted further apart.

3. Plant annuals in between your perennials and shrubs if they have not filled in the space yet.

4. Define the garden area and install edging, such as bricks or plastic edging. This helps keep some weeds and grass from creeping into garden areas and weeds and plants from the garden from creeping into the grass.

5. Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly throughout your garden and around trees and shrubs. Replenish it as necessary every spring and fall. As plants grow and fill in your garden, less mulch will be necessary.

6. Care for your grass, plants, shrubs and trees properly. Fertilize and water them as necessary. Proper care will result in a thriving landscape where weeds cannot compete or have room to grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave approximately 2 inches of space between the mulch and the plant, tree and shrub stems to prevent rot.

References

• University of California; Weed Management in Landscapes; C.A. Wilen, et al.; March 2007
• Virginia Cooperative Extension; Mulching for a Healthy Landscape; Diane Relf
• University of Florida: Controlling Weeds in Landscape Beds