It seems they never go away. Why do weeds keep returning and how can we win the war? With the potential for a dry summer, the battle against weeds is challenging, but can be won.

Know your enemy 
Weeds are well adapted to surviving under harsh conditions, from extreme rain to extreme drought, they thrive. To conquer weeds in your lawn and garden it helps to know your enemy.

  • Weeds come back because they never left. Despite your best efforts, the deep root structure of weeds means that after pulling, they never really left your garden. Some weeds have roots that grow as much as twenty feet. 
  • Seeds scatter easily. Once weeds bloom, in your yard or in your neighbor’s yard, their seeds are designed to scatter. Whether by birds, wind, rain, or even tracked in on your feet, weed seeds are continually reintroduced. If you live close to open nature or a weedy plot your challenge is greater.
  • Weeds are opportunistic. Nature abhors a vacuum and adaptive, fast-growing weeds find and fill bare or weak areas quickly. 

What to do?
It is always easiest to stop weeds before they start, so maintain a good maintenance program. By keeping your grass lush and healthy weeds have no space to grow. If weeds have arrived, be patient and be vigilant.

  • Prevent weeds before they start with pre-emergent treatments. 
  • Stop the spread by pulling weeds while they are still small and before they bloom. 
  • Eliminate weeds with non-toxic herbicides as needed.
  • Mow frequently. When you mow frequently, you cut the tops off weeds before they have a chance to bloom and spread seeds. You also stimulate lawn growth making it stronger.
  • Take extra steps in summer heat. These ideas will help your lawn stay strong in heat and prevent weeds.
  • Smother weeds with mulch and top dressing. By placing a deep layer of mulch on flowerbeds and top dressing on lawns, you prevent the growth of weeds while fortifying healthy roots. 

Remember, for lawns and garden, the best weed killer is dense, healthy vegetation which leaves no room for weeds. Regularly fertilize and trim to keep your lawn and garden healthy.