Can trimming, pruning, & mowing be used to control weeds effectively? (2024)

FAQs

Can trimming, pruning, & mowing be used to control weeds effectively? ›

Weeds typically grow back from the root system. Rarely will the weed be killed by mowing or cutting back alone. When weeds are cut back before they flower and set fruit, it can significantly reduce seed production and reduce new weeds from emerging.

Herbicide application can provide the most effective and time-efficient method of managing weeds. Numerous herbicides are available that provide effective weed control and are selective so that grasses are not injured.

Perhaps the single most important (and easiest) management tool to control weeds in turf is performing proper mowing practices. The one common maintenance practice that most turf has in common is mowing. A common overlooked fact is that mowing plays a large role in both the type and amount of weeds present.

I recommend using a string trimmer (weed wacker) or Dutch Hoe to trim weeds or perennials in unwanted areas instead of weeding by hand. If taller perennial plants are invading your paths or larger areas outside your garden, cut the stalks before they get too tall with a string trimmer or Dutch hoe.

Being vigilant could mean pulling out unsightly weeds whenever we see them because we think that is the best option to stop them from growing further. However, some weed species, like yellow nutsedge and wild violet, are stubborn, and pulling them could just trigger more growth.

Glyphosate is the strongest weed-killer chemical available for purchase by the general population. It kills everything it touches. Most homeowners don't need to use a product this strong. Many other chemicals are available that are less toxic, but they are targeted to specific weeds and are nearly as effective.

Weed Control

Be sure you pull up weeds by their roots, and don't just yank out the leaves. They can re-grow if even small pieces of their roots remain. A weed puller tool can be helpful, but a screwdriver may also do the trick. Be sure you pull up weeds by their roots, and don't just yank out the leaves.

For the healthiest and most sustainable approach, 3.5 to 4 inches is most desirable. Lawns mowed at 3.5 or 4 inches out-compete weeds, tolerate grubs and look just as good as lawns mowed at 2.5 inches.

You usually don't want to mow your lawn within 24 hours before any such treatment. This is because if you mow right before an herbicide treatment, there isn't much leaf area left to absorb the weed control. If a broadleaf weed control doesn't come in contact with enough of the plant's foliage, it won't be effective.

By simply cutting off the top of the weeds, you're merely forcing them to grow again. To really address the problem, you need to yank or dig them out by their roots. It's a long, arduous process, especially if you have a yard full of weeds, but it's the only way to prevent them from growing back at full force.

How do I redo my yard full of weeds? ›

You need to spread fertilizer, use herbicides, apply mulch, mow, rake, till, dethatch, aerate, resod, reseed, and water your grass. That's a lot of hard work.

Disking. For larger areas, like pastures, turning vegetation into soil with a disk harrow can effectively eliminate some brushy weeds. You can achieve the same results in smaller spaces using a rototiller.

If mowing is poorly timed, it can spread viable weed seed including herbicide-resistant weeds beyond the current field of infestation.

Mowing can stress noxious weeds and favor growth of desired plants. In a Montana study, spotted knapweed density was decreased about 85 percent by one mowing during the flowering stage.

Pulling weeds is both time-consuming and exhausting. And with how fast weeds spread, you can easily find yourself in a nonstop battle with these lawn invaders throughout the growing season. The problem with pulling weeds by hand is that when you yank it from the ground, you may not be pulling out the entire weed.

Mix two cups of ordinary table salt with one gallon of white vinegar to kill all vegetation in walkways, driveways, and other areas where you don't want any living thing to grow again. Do this in a container larger than one gallon capacity so you have room for the salt.

Spectracide^® Weed & Grass Killer for Large Areas Concentrate (Ready-to-Spray) This product is a non-selective herbicide that will kill all vegetation contacted. It enters plants through the leaves and moves down to the roots. This will ensure that the entire plant is killed.