How to get rid of weeds
So… You want to know how to get rid of weeds? I hate weeds and killing them throughout the spring, summer, and fall months is a big-time job for me. And, if you are reading this article, you too are probably wondering “How can I kill and remove weeds” and how can I keep them from coming back year after year?
Removing weeds from your landscape area.
There are thousands of weed-killing products on the market today, which ones work best, and what is the secret? Well, there is no secret but there are many ways to keep your yard, landscape, or property free of weeds.
Weeds grow in just about any place, in cement and asphalt cracks, around ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees. And during the spring and Monsoon seasons, they sprout out just about everywhere.
Just a little sprinkle of rain can get them started faster than you and I can pull them out. So, here are some great ways to blast those weeds away and help keep them from coming back.
Think preemergent
What the heck is a preemergent herbicide? This type of product will help eliminate weeds throughout the growing seasons. It is simple the product helps control the seeds from germination. Including wanted seeds. The main ingredient is Dithiopyr.
When to use pre-emergent
Early Spring: Use a weed seed pre-emergence herbicide or a weed preventer that will inhibit weed seeds from germinating. You will need to apply this product wherever weeds were present from the previous year. This will not kill any weeds that are currently growing or that are visible.
Herbicide Pre-emergent – This will usually come in a granular or powdered form and needs to be watered in after applying. This will eventually turn into an oily substance that will cover the weed seeds thus preventing them from germinating. There is also a liquid pre-emergent which eliminates having to water it in afterward.
Note: If you have planted other wanted seeds in that area they will NOT germinate.
Does Roundup Work to Kill Weeds?
Yes, it does: Use Roundup™ to kill existing weeds. The newest type of Roundup™ will kill down to the roots.
Remember Roundup™ will also kill anything green that it comes in contact with including cactus or native plants. Always spray during a non-windy day. Do not use Roundup on any lawn. Follow the instructions on the label to the tee.
Read what the EPA says of Roundup™ below.
The EPA considers glyphosate to have low toxicity when used at the recommended doses. “Risk estimates for glyphosate were well below the level of concern,” said EPA spokesman Dale Kemery. The EPA classifies glyphosate as a Group E chemical, which means there is strong evidence that it does not cause cancer in humans. Read more here.
Killzall™ Will basically do the same thing but they do have it with a pre-emergent which helps the weed seeds from coming back. The main ingredient for Roundup™ and Killzall™ is glyphosate.
What about products that contain 2-4-D?
2-4-D is a selective herbicide and kills most weeds in wanted grasses. It is found in products that are used to spray lawns that will kill weeds and not your grass. It is important to read instructions on all weed-killing products. It also contains glyphosate.
Glyphosate is a controversial ingredient in most weed-killing products. Read what the FDA says about glyphosate questions and answers.
How to get rid of weeds
The number one way to remove weeds is to pull them out by hand roots and all. Gloves and good weed-pulling tools are recommended.
Removing weeds from your lawn
If weeds are growing in your lawn, you can use a product called weed-out plus™ Made by Ferti-lome. Most Retail greenhouses or nurseries will have this product year-round. It will not harm ornamental grasses but will kill existing weeds in your lawn.
It comes in a liquid form and needs to be sprayed on according to the instructions.
A few tips on using almost any type of herbicide. It’s best to use it when temperatures hover around 85 degrees. Please do not use it on newly planted lawns. The types of weeds weed-out plus™ kills.
- Chickweed
- Crabgrass
- Barnyardgrass
- Foxtail Black-Eyed Susan
- Buttercup
- Catnip
- Chickweed
- Dandelion
- Dollarweed
- Ground Ivy
- Jimsonweed
- Morning Glory
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Ragweed Spurge
- Thistle
- Shepherds Purse
- Prostrate Spurge
Do organic weed-killing products work?
Yes, they do. But not as well as products that contain glyphosate. Corn gluten works as a pre-emergent it controls most broadleaf weeds.
Products that contain Vinegar also work and one of the best is “Soil Menders” enhanced vinegar herbicide. Ask for it at your local greenhouse retail store.
Bio-safe weed control is another safe organic herbicide. But do not spray it on wanted plants or lawns.
Mid Summer: Any remaining weeds should be pulled by hand roots and all…Oh, I know It’s dirty hard work. This method works very well and hiring the next-door kid is really inexpensive. It is important to remember that all weeds will produce seeds. Cutting, mowing or even pulling them by hand will drop more seeds into your lawn or landscape.
How to get rid of weeds
The biggest deterrent to a weed-free lawn is continuous maintenance. Regular watering and a fertilizing schedule will work wonders on any type of grass. Bermuda grasses and Fescue will choke out many types of weeds if it is well maintained. Guzman’s Garden Centers will always have the products mentioned here during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Here is a website with a guide to help you identify the type of weeds you might have in your garden or lawn area. Weed Identify Guide
What about Goatheads?
Yea, Goatheads are mean-looking sharply pointed seeds. It will puncture bike tires, tennis shoes, and even auto tires. The weeds are in the (Caltrop family). It produces a small yellow flower and is also called puncturevine, Texas sandburs. This weed thrives in and around the Southwest region of the U.S.
The seed is actually the Goathead itself as it will fall off and begin growing another weed. You must remove these weeds from your lawn, or they will take over the lawn.
How to kill Goatheads
Pre-emergent will keep the Goathead seeds from germinating but will usually bounce back later in the year and for sure the next year.
Pulling them out by hand is difficult but probably the best way to come them from coming back. Chopping them off with a weed wacker will only strengthen its root system. Roundup™ and Killzall will kill them but these products will also damage other plants and lawns nearby if not applied correctly. They are non-selective herbicides!
If there are in an open field you can burn them off with a propane burner. However, on the lawn, it’s best to pull them out by hand. Also, a good thick healthy lawn will prevent them from germinating.
Did you know Goatheads have a natural predator? Yes, it is called the Puncturevine Weevil. Read more about this Weevil at the Department of NMSU Southwest Yard and Garden.
