Weeding is a necessary evil to keep your lawn sleek, but with so many methods out there, it can be challenging to know the best way to tackle the job.
Weeds are unwanted plants that should be killed before they grow and mix with other plants. Pulling and spraying are the two main ways to eradicate pesky weeds, with both methods being very effective.
Let’s dive into the mechanics of pulling and spraying weeds to see which method of weed control works best for you.
Pulling Weeds
Although pulling weeds is a notoriously daunting task, it’s quite productive for weed control. One advantage of ripping them out is that you can get rid of the roots along with the rest of the plant.
This is crucial for the purpose of removing perennial weeds. Every year, perennial weeds reappear from the same root system – these roots may run far and deep. Perennial weeds can regenerate if the root system is left in the soil.
You might get rid of all the roots and stop perennial weeds from developing by pulling them; however, not all perennial weeds respond to it. Even with a tool, it might be impossible to completely remove some well-established plants from hand-pulling. This results in annoyance and lost time.
Here are three tips for success regarding weed-pulling:
- Use the Right Tools – Many gardeners find that having a few trusty weeding tools speeds up the process. Choose well-made tools with sturdy handles that are easy to hold and heads or blades made of tough steel. Also, choose weeding tools appropriate for your weed control method – kneeling or standing.
Standing tools – It’s difficult to surpass the standard long-handled hoe for getting rid of numerous weeds at once, but modern makers have! A hoe with a sharpened blade may cut through soil-level roots in a single motion.
When removing weeds with extensive root systems, grip-and-pull weeders guarantee to reduce labor and time costs. By depressing a foot pedal, sharp prongs are pushed deep into the ground, where they quickly grasp the roots and yank them out.
Kneeling tools – This tool features short handles ranging from six to 12 inches. Tools shaped like rakes with finger-like prongs are useful for removing surface weeds with small root systems.
A hook neck tool can dig in and scoop up weeds by positioning it behind the root of the plant. Use an angled hand hoe with a sharp edge to get into narrow spaces between beneficial plants. Large weed roots can be removed with hand shovels.
- Don’t Wait To Pull Weeds – Weeds are simpler to remove when they are tiny because their roots are much weaker. Every other day, commit to quickly going through your garden; it won’t take long to dig out any emerging new weeds when they’re babies.
- Grab the Base – You might be tempted to reach down, grab a handful of weeds, and give it a firm tug– stop! Unfortunately, that results in the weed splitting in half, with the roots and bottom half remaining in the ground. Instead, take your time, grab each weed by the base, and then slowly and gradually pull it out of the ground to loosen the roots.
Spraying Weeds
When you choose the right product for your needs, spraying weeds is an excellent remedy. Nonselective herbicides destroy any plant they encounter, while selective herbicides only kill a specific type of weed or plant. Additionally, you can apply a post-emergent herbicide, which is effective once the weeds have already begun to grow.
For extra defense, use a pre-emergent herbicide to eliminate weeds before they even emerge. While systemic herbicides penetrate the weeds to kill them from the inside, contact chemicals destroy the weeds when they meet them.
Here are four reasons why you should spray your weeds:
- Easy Weed Removal – Weeds can be quickly and effectively eliminated with herbicides. Because chemicals don’t compete with weeds for soil nutrients, water, or air, they guarantee that your intended plants develop as they should.
Weeds are killed by herbicides no later than a week following application. When compared to pulling weeds by hand, they are simpler to use. Nothing needs to be pulled or dug out. Instead, spray the chemicals on the undesirable plants and then watch as they wither and die.
- Time Saver – Manual weeding is physically tiring, and it’s not always a viable option for everyone. Weeding also wastes time that could be spent doing more enjoyable tasks. In comparison, using herbicides takes less work, physical exertion, and time.
- Fast Acting – One of the primary reasons people turn to herbicides is because they provide a quick solution. Some herbicides can kill weeds in a matter of hours, while others can take weeks. Either way, it shouldn’t take more than a month for the weeds to die completely.
- Beautiful Results – Herbicides are necessary to control weeds and maintain a properly trimmed lawn on a large scale. Without them, it’s challenging to maintain weed-free flower beds and vegetable plots.
Which Method Is Best?
There are pros and cons to both spraying and pulling weeds, and we have a good rule of thumb you can use when choosing a method. Hand-pulling is easier when you are focusing on a small area. Spraying weeds is ideal when you’re dealing with a vast area or a loftier infestation of weeds.
Let Summit Lawn and Pest Control Help
Weeding has never been easier than with Summit Lawn & Pest Control! We are passionate about providing quick and affordable home lawn care and pest control services so you can spend your time enjoying your yard rather than worrying about weeds and insects.
With over ten years of experience in the green industry, it is our mission to provide high-quality service at reasonable prices to Utah County. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation! We serve Lehi, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, and other Utah County communities.
