A lush, green lawn or a well-kept garden can quickly be overrun by pesky weeds if left unchecked. Summer provides the perfect conditions for weeds to thrive, but with the right strategy, you can keep them under control. Here are the best ways to limit weeds in your yard this season.
- Start with a Healthy Lawn
A dense, well-maintained lawn naturally crowds out weeds, leaving them little room to grow. To promote thick grass:
Mow at the proper height (avoid cutting too short, as this weakens grass and allows weeds to take hold).
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilize appropriately to strengthen grass against weed invasion.
- Apply Mulch in Garden Beds
Mulch is one of the best natural weed suppressors. It blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from sprouting. To maximize effectiveness:
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants and in bare soil areas.
Use organic mulch like wood chips or straw, which also improves soil quality.
Replenish mulch as needed throughout the season.
- Use Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Stopping weeds before they even sprout is key. Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
Apply pre-emergent in early spring and again in late summer for best results.
Water it into the soil after application to activate its effects.
Be careful when using near newly planted grass or flowers, as it may prevent their growth as well.
- Hand-Pull Weeds Effectively
When weeds do appear, pulling them correctly ensures they won’t grow back:
Pull weeds after rain when the soil is moist to make removal easier.
Extract the entire root system, especially for persistent weeds like dandelions.
Use a weeding tool to remove deep-rooted weeds efficiently.
- Limit Bare Spots and Disturbed Soil
Weeds love bare, disturbed soil, so keeping your lawn and garden covered can help:
Fill in any bare patches with grass seed or ground cover plants.
Avoid excessive tilling, which brings buried weed seeds to the surface.
Use landscape fabric under gravel or stone pathways to prevent weeds from sprouting.
Final Thoughts
Weeds may be relentless, but a proactive approach will keep them under control. By maintaining a strong lawn, using mulch, applying pre-emergent weed control, pulling weeds properly, and minimizing bare soil, you can enjoy a weed-free yard this summer. A little effort now will save you from a major weeding headache later!
