The Spruce / Danielle Yersin
Every gardener knows that when the weather warms, it’sweed-killing season.
Weeds can harm your garden and lawn and steal nutrients your precious plants need.
On top of that,they take away from the outdoor aestheticyou’ve worked hard to create.
The Spruce / Danielle Yersin
Curious to see if yours made the list?
Meet the Expert
Sam Neimannis a landscape design architect atGrown By Designin San Diego, California.
“However, these products can damage soil health and kill beneficial organisms.”
The Spruce / Daniela Galvez
How to Fix
Have you been using bleach to remove weeds?
Don’t freak out just yet.
Want more gardening tips?
The Spruce / K. Dave
“When pulling weeds by hand, its essential to remove the entire plant, including the roots.
Neimann provides tips for proper manual weed removal in yourlawn, garden, or sidewalk.
When pulling weeds by hand, grasp the plant at the base where it meets the soil.
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This ensures that you remove the entire root system, preventing the weed from regrowing.
Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before weeds sprout.
For actively growing weeds, use a post-emergent herbicide designed to kill established plants.
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“Ensure that herbicides like glyphosate are sprayed directly on the leaves of the weeds,” Neimann says.
Herbicide sprays can drift onto nearby plants, especially on windy days, causing unintended damage to neighboring plants.
“This creates a larger, more persistent weed problem for the future.”
The Spruce / Meredith Luksetich
The good news is that this mistake comes with a super simple solution.
Regularly monitor andremove weeds before they matureand set seed, according to Neimann.
Part of this solution requiresknowing what weeds you’re treatingso you could choose the right herbicide.
Yard Overgrown with Weedsmaarigard/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images
“Always read and follow label directions carefully,” Neimann advises.
If you’re uncertain about a product, consult with experts at your local garden center.
“Its easy to mistakenly pull out young or unfamiliar desirable plants thinking they are weeds.”
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It’s important to know what’s in your garden before you decide to remove anything.
Identify plants before weeding.
If unsure, seek advice from knowledgeable sources, Neimann advises.
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