Weed Identification, Control, Characteristics, and Invasive Species
What are weeds?
Rather than a botanical classification,“weeds” are a subjective term.
However, there are a few points about weeds that most gardeners would agree on.
David Beaulieu
Learn about the identification of weeds and their common characteristics, plus how to control them in your garden.
What Is a Weed?
A weed is a plant that possesses undesirable traits and is invasive to our lawns and gardens.
DandelionPhoto © Erin Huffstetler
Be mindful when identifying which plants are invasive weeds and which were reseeded.
Some are organic, others use chemicals.
It’s relatively fuss-free; just don’t allow it to splash onto your good plants.
naotoshinkai/Getty Images
But it won’t kill the toughest weeds.
Using Salt
Make a salt spray by adding a cup to a gallon of water.
The salt will draw water from the weeds, resulting in dehydration and death.
Crabgrass is a warm season annual with a prostrate growth habit. It makes its appearance after soil has warmed above 65 degrees.Altrendo Nature, Getty Images
Take note of how wrap up the weeds are to flower beds and other healthy plants.
Too much salt can sterilize the soil and kill other root systems unintentionally.
Using Chemical Herbicides
Mix table salt (sodium chloride) into water and pour it onto weeds.
The Spruce / Meredith Luksetich
This method is highly effective in killing weeds.
But it’s riskier to use than boiling water.
Using chemical herbicides to kill weeds is a complex topic due to the great diversity of the herbicides available.
There are herbicides meant for use on lawns and others for brushy areas.
There are preemergent and post-emergent types.
Some herbicides will kill only specific types of plants, while others will kill just about anything.
Chemical herbicides are generally effective when used by well-informed gardeners.
But it is the most high-maintenance.
Some invasive species are weeds, but others are considered landscape plants with redeeming qualities.
Native plants have been growing in the region in question for a considerable time.
Homeowners concerned with invasive plants' effects on native plants often tailor their gardens accordingly.
Invasive plants commonly spread through seeds and rhizomes.
Weeds are essentially plants that grow where they’re not wanted.
They may be hazardous, unattractive, or interfere with the surrounding landscape.
