Weeds are the bane of many gardeners’ existence. Most of them are just a nuisance, but others are noxious and can take over your garden if they aren’t contained. Fortunately, there are a few landscaping tricks you can use to cut down on weeds in your flower bed. DRS Lawn & Landscape has been cultivating gorgeous gardens and home exteriors from Long Valley, NJ, since 1991. Here, their team offers a few tips for eliminating weeds this summer. 

5 Landscaping Tips for Eliminating Weeds 

1. Add Mulch

Mulch is beneficial for many reasons, including soil insulation and water retention. It’s also useful for inhibiting weed growth. Cover the ground between plants, leaving a few inches of space around the base of each plant to prevent insect invasions. Mulch comes in many forms, including shredded leaves and wheat straw. If you’re not sure what type of mulch is best for your garden, ask a landscaping professional. 

2. Pull Them Out 

You’ll have to pull out most weeds manually. The most important thing to remember when weeding is to remove the root as well as the stalk. For easier weeding, pull when the soil is moist. 

3. Dig Them Up

Some weeds are persistent and will regrow after you’ve pulled them out or chopped them. If this happens, it’s a sign you haven’t removed the entire root. Use a spade or digging fork and remove the root in its entirety. 

4. Don’t Disrupt the Soil 

Every inch of your garden contains weed seeds, but only those close to the surface will germinate. If you dig and cultivate the soil, you’ll bring deeper weed seeds to the surface, where they’ll absorb enough sunlight to grow. Don’t disrupt the ground unnecessarily. Whenever you dig, place a plant or mulch in the disrupted spot immediately.

5. Keep the Soil Occupied 

If you have rich, well-tilled soil, you can plant flowers close together, allowing less space for weeds to break through. Once the threat of frost has passed, start planting your spring and warm-weather plants. You can also plant cover crops like winter wheat and rye grass to keep weeds at bay. A landscaping expert can help you choose a cover crop that will pair well with your existing landscape design. 

For more landscaping tips, contact the professionals at DRS Lawn & Landscape. These experts are always eager to help homeowners make the most of their properties. Call (908) 879-0600 to speak with a representative or visit their website to see some of their work.