Lawn grass weeds are a problem that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. The issue is not whether or not you’ll end up fighting with weeds, it’s how you deal with them.
Ideally, you’re going to want to get rid of your weeds in a holistic and healthy manner. Toxic herbicides and weed killers can wreak havoc on your lawn and the environment. This article will focus on some healthy ways to get rid of lawn grass weeds.
Killing Lawn Grass Weeds by Hand
The first method of killing lawn grass weeds is the most obvious, but sometimes also the most overlooked: killing weeds by hand. That’s right – getting down on your knees and actually plucking the weeds out by hand.
If this sounds unpleasant to you, or if you simply lack the time to spend weeding, then you may want to consider other options. However, if you keep up with a regular manual weeding routine, the weeds in your garden will be discouraged from growing.
This means that over time you’ll hardly have to worry about weeds at all. What’s even better is that you won’t have to worry about using potentially dangerous pesticides.
When you’re weeding by hand, make sure that you wear a pair of gloves. Some weeds, like thistles, can be prickly and stab you; others can have resin or oils that can be irritating to the skin.
Using Weed Killers and Herbicides
If you have a large number of weeds, or if you’re working with a large piece of property, then you’re probably going to want to use some sort of weed killer or sprayer.
However, before you rush to the hardware store and buy the first product that you see on the shelves, make sure you’re aware of what you’re purchasing. Remember, most weed killers are designed with one thing in mind: to kill weeds.
That means they’re usually full of toxic chemicals: stuff that kills plants. While this is great for weeds, it’s not so great for the rest of your yard. These toxic chemicals can soak into your soil and make it more difficult for other plants to grow effectively.
Read labels, and try to find products that are made with natural ingredients. Buying weed killers that are specifically approved for use in gardens are less likely to contain compounds that can damage your yard or grass.
Making Natural Herbicides
You can also make your own, natural herbicides. This is the best way to be absolutely certain that you know what you’re spraying on your plants.
You want to make sure that you’re using something strong enough to kill your weeds but not so strong that it hurts the rest of your yard. Vinegar is a good option that is used in most natural weed killers. Make sure it contains more than 5% (food-grade) acetic acid.
Conclusion
Killing weeds is a part of any homeowner’s job, but doing so without damaging the ecosystem can be tricky. Hand-weeding and using natural weed killers is the best way to stay safe.