Is It Possible to Kill Weeds Permanently?
Gardening teaches us that permanencein the landscapeis likely impermanent.
This is especially true regarding weeds; no yard will likely be forever weed-free.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Are you prepared to keep up the necessary maintenance for apristine yard?
Or can you live with the effects of herbicides thateffectively kill weeds?
What Is Herbicide?
Methods for Killing Weeds Permanently
Both chemical andnatural methods for killing weedsare available.
This method works best if you do it in June or July when there are long sunny periods.
Here are the basic steps:
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural herbicidefor annual weeds.
Strong horticultural vinegar works best because vinegar from the grocery store is not strong enough.
Learn when annual weeds set seed and target them before they produce a new generation.
Weeds will die when the harsh sun hits the vinegar-treated leaves.
Injecting Herbicides
There are also non-natural methods using chemicals that are applied in different ways.
Spraying or Applying Herbicide
Herbicides are usually sprayed or come in liquid or granular form.
For example, in the spring, you might use a pre-emergent liquid or granular herbicide to killcrabgrassseed.
For existing weeds, spraying the foliage to kill plants is effective, butavoid spraying on windy days.
Pour boiling water over the stems and leaves.
The hot water will seep into the roots and kill the plants.
Salt is another thing to try that you may already have on hand.
Weed Prevention
Using landscape fabric and mulch together is the best method for weed prevention.
Landscape fabricIt is rolled out across the ground as a barrier against weeds where they usually grow.
Mulch is applied on top of the fabric to protect it from harsh UV rays.
Mulch is often used by itself for weed suppression.
If you share these concerns, consider using soil solarization and other preventive ways tocontrol and kill weeds.
Dish soap is somewhat effective.
It kills weeds and is even more powerful when combined with other household products.
This method does make it easier to pull up weeds, however.
The methods above are all effective at stopping weeds from growing in the driveway.
Since the weeds in the driveway are likely isolated, you are less likely to damage nearby plants.
Try spraying herbicide directly on driveway weeds on a non-windy day.
Bleach can be an effective weed killerbut is only safe in certain areas.
Avoid using it in flowerbeds or vegetable gardens because it can kill these surrounding plants.
Bleach raises the pH to an intolerable level and prevents weeds from absorbing minerals.
Herbicide Options for Managing Common Lawn Weeds in Maryland.University of Maryland Extension.
Protecting Pollinators While Using Pesticides.
Ohio State University Extension.
Basics of Salinity and Sodicity Effects on Soil Physical Properties.Montana State University.
