DIY Tips for Weed Control
Anyone who has ever dealt with weeds knows how annoying these plant pests can get. It seems the more rain there is, the more weeds will pop up. The ongoing battle with weeds is a perpetual one – there is no real victory, only suppression.
Educating oneself on weeds and learning about some DIY ways to tackle the problem can help a homeowner maintain a gorgeous backyard and garden.
Weed characteristics
Being aware of the characteristics of weeds is the first step toward removing them. Here are three things to keep in mind.
If there are old seeds in the soil, disturbing the weed will make the seeds come to the surface, where the sunlight can trigger their sprouting.
Please do not delay in removing the weeds once they appear. Wait too long, and the weeds will produce seeds. These seeds end up in the soil, and they can lie there for many years before sprouting. These will only reinforce the problem down the line.
When removing weeds, target the roots and remove as much of them as possible. Young weed roots don’t go too far into the ground, whereas established weeds will take more digging. So this is yet another reason to deal with weeds as soon as possible.
Traditional means of weeds control
Three methods can help a gardener defeat weeds. As simple as these methods may seem, knowing about them can mean a lot in weed removal.
The mechanical method is hand weeding, which includes using tools such as shears, a hoe, two-pronged weeders, axes, shovels, etc. This method is the most straightforward means of weed control.
The physical method involves an implement called a weed torch. The flame heats the plant’s cellular water until it steams, which then bursts its cells. To be clear, this does not involve burning the weeds. Merely passing the torch over the plants does the trick.
The chemical method involves using synthetic and organic herbicides. Protective skin and eye gear use are imperative here. Additionally, keeping pets away from areas where you used weed removal chemicals is essential.
Regardless of the method, and even though they’re not overly complicated, hiring professional plant pest control experts is always best.
Alternative methods
There are DIY alternative options for weed removal using three common ingredients: salt, vinegar, and cornmeal. However, each one comes with its caveats.
First, salt is excellent for use against weeds, but adding too much of it to the soil can change its structure and inhibit other plants’ growth.
If you use vinegar, it needs to contain at least 10%-20% of acetic acid to be effective on weeds. Unfortunately, it can stain concrete, rock, and pavers.
Finally, cornmeal is also ideal, but using enough to control weeds can be quite expensive.
Get the help you need to control weed growth
Anyone can make use of the above-mentioned DIY methods to try their hand at weed control. However, the best solution would be to contact a plant pest control professional. Regular professional weed maintenance can do wonders in helping to produce a lush, beautiful, healthy garden.
Get monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and seasonal pest control services across Phoenix Valley with Russell Pest Control. We offer environmentally-friendly pest control solutions for fleas and ticks, mosquitoes and flies, rodents, mice, and rats, and weed control. Our team has all required state licenses and stay updated with all industry advancements. Connect with us for more information.
