How to Get Rid of Weeds in the Yard

Weeds can quickly overtake a lawn.

Some people don't realize that weeds are simply plants that grow where they are unwanted. Thus, a rose growing in a pasture may be considered a weed. Nevertheless, most people think of weeds as overaggressive plants that overwhelm gardens and lawns. In addition to being unsightly, weeds can cause severe economic loss because they rob moisture and nutrients from the soil that would otherwise be used for crop production. Fortunately, weeds can be removed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Solarize your soil. The most thorough (and drastic) way to get rid of weeds in your yard involves soil solarization. To do this, uproot all plants, grass and trees. Till the soil and remove any roots or sharp objects. Cover the land with a clear polyethylene sheet held down at the edges and allow it to sit for four to six weeks, preferably in early summer, recommends the website Florida Gardener.

2. Fertilize your yard regularly. Less drastic than soil solarization, applying a fertilizer will help plants and grass flourish while crowding out weeds. Keep in mind that fertilizing during peak growth times for your particular grass and plants will best crowd out weeds, whereas fertilizing during dormant times can actually stimulate weed growth.

3. Mow regularly. Weeds need sunlight to flourish. By keeping your lawn cut short, you can prevent weeds from growing and reaching necessary sunlight. Gather up grass clippings after mowing to prevent the spread of weeds.

4. Pick weeds by hand. Perhaps the most common method of removing weeds is to get down on your hands and knees and pick them. If you decide to go this route, run a sprinkler to moisten the soil and always pull out the entire root of the weed.

5. Spray a chemical weedkiller. There are several different types of chemical weedkillers, including Roundup and Ortho. Some chemicals kill everything they touch, including grass and plants, while others kill only the weeds or just specific weeds.

References

• Florida Gardener: Put Your Garden Bed to Bed--Solarize Your Soil!
• The Garden Counselor: Are Your Lawn Weeds Winning?
• University of Arizona: An Illustrated Guide to Arizona Weeds