No one wants weeds in their yard, and we’re about to explain why. Imagine creeping lawn weeds appearing in your yard when you wake up in the morning. It’s not a happy sight, but luckily, their growth isn’t inevitable.
There are many ways to find out which plants are weeds, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from growing again. We will cover that and more today in this guide on creeping lawn weeds.
Weeds Vs Grass
Most people don’t know the difference between weeds and grass. Ironically enough, they don’t know the difference because they believe there is a list of grass types and a list of weed types. But this isn’t the case.
You can classify any grass or plant as a weed that is invasive and unattractive. That’s what really makes a weed what it is, the fact that it is unwanted. Whereas grass is green, attractive, and always wanted.
Why Get Rid Of Weeds?
Weeds are no fund and that’s easy to see. However, most people just see weeds and think, “there are weeds there, better get rid of them,” without knowing why it’s important to do so. And no, it’s not just because they are ugly.
Weeds can be dangerous to the other life around them. Many weeds cause allergies while others are poisonous. But it’s always other plants that suffer. Unwanted weeds can steal the nutrients from plants in your yard.
How To Get Rid Of Weeds
Getting rid of weeds can be done in a few different ways. There are many materials or substances that snuff out weeds. The problem is that weeds are harder to kill than grass so if you kill the weeds, it’s hard not to kill the grass too.
Salt
Salt kills weeds the same way that it can kill other plants and insects like termites. It disrupts water flow and dries out the plant. It is easy to place only on the weeds and not the grass, leaving the weeds to wilt and die.
Newspaper
Newspaper is an amazing tool that you can shred up and sprinkle over weeds. Wood chips can do the same thing but the newspaper is more readily available. It smothers the weeds while decomposing properly.
Vinegar
Vinegar can be deadly to weeds. It also dehydrates the weeds only does so faster than salt. Mix the two together for an even faster job well done. Just keep in mind that you may need to do so a few days in a row.
Soap
Dish soap in particular can really kill weeds. You can use it alone, or mix it with vinegar. You can mix most of these ingredients together to create a cocktail that will really take care of those weeds in no time.
Hot Water
Or rather, boiling water, will boil those weeds and cause them to die. This works on most plants so be careful. Boiling water can also be poured down anthills to kill entire communities of ants harassing your yard.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong chemical that does a wonderful job at killing weeds. It can take care of weeds in any area faster than almost anything else. Though most people use it as a last resort because it is just so strong.
Weed Killer
Weedkiller almost always works. Of course, it’s a weedkiller! But it is also quite strong and will harm almost anything that it touches. So use it as instructed on the box after trying the more natural options.
Types Of Lawn Weeds
There are many types of weeds that you probably want to get rid of as soon as you can. In fact, there are so many different kinds that we just can’t cover them all. So instead, we’ve listed some of the most common.
Dandelion
Dandelions are often considered weeds because once they start growing, it’s hard to get rid of them. Even if you do, they seem to come back year after year, growing back with more friends than ever each time.
Green Foxtail
The green foxtail is a bushy weed that is very invasive to crops. Their seeds can blow hundreds of yards in the wind in a day and can overcrowd yards and fields, making it very difficult to mow or harvest.
Ragweed
Ragweed can be a very strong weed that many people are very allergic to. Not only are many people allergic to it but most people with asthma notice flare-ups when around it. So keeping it away is a must.
Clover
These small white flowers aren’t bad to look at but they can spread quite fast. They aren’t a must to get rid of because they’re great for pollinating but you may want to keep them to a minimum so you have room for other plants.
Canada Thistle
Don’t be ashamed if you want to get rid of this purple thistle. The sharp barbs are annoying and dangerous. They are difficult to get rid of because they must be completely uprooted and not just pulled or snipped.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass looks just like any other grass only it has a rougher texture. Each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds ensuring that you don’t just have one patch of this green grass. Which is fine unless you want softer grass.
Poison Oak
Not to be confused with its cousin poison ivy, poison oak also means business. It has the same dangers as ivy does, causing people to break out into hives or contract dermatitis. Get rid of this guy with gloves!
Creeping Charlie
This strangely named weed is also simply called ground ivy. And ground ivy can grow with little to no help. It can grow in dry areas, shady areas, wet areas, and sunny areas. Though the purple plant prefers dry and shady areas.
Purslane
Purslane has small yellow flowers that make it easy to recognize. While it may seem harmless, it actually can prevent grass from growing by creating a net over the soil. So if you want grass, you don’t want purslane.
Jimson Weed
Jimson weed is also called the devil’s snare which is reason enough not to want it. If ingested, the plant can cause hallucinations, hyperthermia, erratic heart rhythms, and yes, death too. So please keep this plant away.
Oxalis
These pretty white flowers seem harmless but they most definitely are. Also called wood sorrel, oxalis is a weed that can take over an area so easily that those with gardens hate to hear the interesting name.
Hogweed
Giant hogweed is also never wanted. Funny enough, it’s part of the carrot family but it is not a vegetable. These tall plants are toxic and can cause skin irritation and blistering. The scars can be seen for years to come.
How To Prevent Weeds
Preventing weeds is the best route you can take. Because you don’t just want to get rid of them now, you want to keep them from ever appearing. That’s killing two birds with one stone. Here’s how to prevent weeds.
Mow High
Yes, don’t let your grass get cut so low that soil is visible. Mow more often and mow higher or else you leave room for weeds to grow. Keep the soil covered and weeds are much less likely to grow through the tight sod.
Fertilize
Fertilizing your grass may seem like it will have ill effects and cause weeds to grow, but it’s just the opposite. If you keep your grass fertilized, then it will end up staying healthy and the weeds won’t be able to grow.
Don’t Overwater
If you overwater your grass, weeds may end up growing. Instead of watering too often, water a lot when you water. Water deep to keep the grass healthy. Again, healthy grass is the best way to prevent weeds from forming.
Water Then Weed
If you pull weeds out of dry soil then they are more likely to leave roots behind. Instead, water the area and then pull the weeds out with your hand near the base. Plant grass seed in its place to further help prevent them.
Mulch
Mulch can work as its own weed barrier, preventing weeds and keeping plants healthy and with nutrients. You can use many different things as mulch, so work with your own concoctions of what you have available.
Weed Barrier
A weed barrier is the single best way to prevent weeds in areas that don’t have grass. They will prevent all plants from growing so cut around plants that you want to stay healthy. This works perfectly for gravel beds!
Don’t Lose Hope
Any gardener or farmer will tell you that the last thing you want to do is lose hope. The weeds will go away in time, you just have to keep at it. If you do, then you can enjoy your perfect yard completely weed-free.
Remember, weeds are plants too. They belong somewhere, just not always in your yard. So appreciate them for what they are while you’re getting rid of them. Every plant is a gift and deserves a place on this earth.
The post Types Of Lawn Weeds And How To Get Rid Of Them appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
0 Commentaires