=====[srform] In our beautiful lawns, it’s likely you'll also find weeds. These plants make it difficult to enjoy our lawns and some can eve...
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In our beautiful lawns, it’s likely you'll also find weeds. These plants make it difficult to enjoy our lawns and some can even be dangerous, with spikes and thorns that can hurt if touched. Weeds can take away nutrients from the plants you want growing in your yard. So you might be wondering how to get rid of weeds naturally without killing grass. Well, I’m here to help.
There are a few tactics you can try when it comes to getting rid of the weeds in your lawn. I always prefer going the natural route as it's better for the environment and I have peace of mind knowing it won't affect my dog who loves to sniff around the yard. Here are a few tips to get rid of weeds.
If you’ve tried getting rid of weeds before, but had no luck, it might be time to call in someone who can help. Contact a landscaping pro today for quotes from landscapers in your area, for free.
Getting Rid Of Weeds
If you find your lawn, garden or even sidewalk overrun with weeds, it’s time to take care of the problem. It’s best to do so before it becomes an issue because weeds are known to spread quickly. However, many homeowners shy away from using chemical killers for many reasons. Not only is it harmful to the earth, but it can also be a problem for pets or people who are walking around the yard. Many of the chemicals on the market are strong and can cause harm. So, it’s best to get rid of weeds naturally. Here are a few natural weed killing tips:
- Pull Them Up
- Hot Salt Water
- Newspaper
- Vodka & Dish Soap
- Weed-Suppressing Plants
- Essential Oils
- Mulch
- Contact A Landscaping Pro
1. Pull Them Up
It sounds simple, but pulling up weeds can be the best way to get rid of weeds from your garden or lawn. The trick is to make sure you pull the weed up completely, root and all. One of the best times to pull weeds is actually when the ground is wet, to make it easier. You should also pull weeds with a quality pair of garden gloves and a durable hand trowel. Getting the weed with roots out will guarantee they don’t come back!
2. Hot Salt Water
You may not have guessed it, but salt water actually can kill plants by dehydrating them. Boiling water also scorches the plant so it can’t grow. Boil two cups of water with three tablespoons of salt. Pour over the weeds and wait. They should be gone in just a few days! However, this method is best left for weeds between sidewalk cracks and brick. If the saltwater gets into grass, flowers or a garden, it can kill surrounding plants as well.
3. Newspaper
This is a method that you may not have heard of before, but it works great in areas where you have heavy weed growth. If you have extra newspapers laying around, take 7 to 10 sheets and wet them. Lay them over the weeds and place something heavy on top to weigh it down, such as potting soil, compost or mulch. The newspaper will suffocate the weeds and decompose as it’s wet.
4. Vodka Spray
While you may have vodka around to use, this is not the kind of cocktail that will be enjoyable to drink. Fill a spray bottle with vodka and add a few drops of dish soap for stubborn weeds. Spray on the leaves and stem of the weed. The sunlight will scorch the plant, leaving you to simply remove it once they’ve died.
5. Weed-Suppressing Plants
If weed overgrowth has scared you off from adding to your garden, you may be happy to know there are a few plants you can use that actually kill weeds. These plants tend to spread, which is what helps naturally kill the weeds, but is something to keep in mind if you don’t want groundcover in a certain area of your yard. Here are a few weed-suppressing plants:
- Creeping Jenny
- Lady’s Mantle
- Hosta
- Greek Yarrow
- Stone Crop
- Creeping Phlox
6. Essential Oils
One of the most versatile home supplies you can have is essential oils. I’ve mentioned before how helpful they can be for cleaning supplies and pest control, but they can be also be used to keep weeds at bay. Using one part vinegar, one part castile soap, three drops of wintergreen essential oil and three drops of clove, you have your own all natural weed spray. Like most weed killers, it may take more than one application, but your yard will be weed-free!
7. Mulch
If you want to dress up your yard and get rid of weeds at the same time, try using mulch! Mulch not only adds nutrients to your soil, but a 2” to 3” layer will help keep weeds out. The easiest way to add them to your yard is with a delivery service. The average cost to deliver mulch is $662, with most homeowners spending between $403 and $746.
8. Contact A Landscaping Pro
If you’ve tried everything you can and weeds still persist, it might be time to contact a landscaper. They’ll know exactly what you need to get your yard weed-free. It may also be a good idea if you’re worried about what solutions will affect your lawn and garden. Regular lawn maintenance will also help solve any problems with weeds. The average cost to maintain a lawn is $226, with most homeowners spending between $127 and $237.
Conclusion
Weeds in your yard are never any fun. But, you can find a solution to get them out, naturally. Try a few of these tips and if all else fails, be sure to contact a pro who can help.
Looking for more yard care tips? Read A Guide To Landscaping Around Your Home.
