Unsightly weeds are the bane of gardeners everywhere. While investing in a professional landscaping service is the best solution, there are a few measures homeowners can take between visits. Below you’ll find some helpful weed control tips from one of Fairbanks, AK’s most experienced landscape contractors, Down to Earth Landscaping & Snow Removal.

Weed Control Advice for Homeowners

1. Natural Herbicides

Toxic herbicides aren’t the only methods for killing weeds. For example, you can spray a solution of water and vinegar or sprinkle salt on the area.  Be extra careful with these methods, however, as they will also kill surrounding plants.  Salt will make the soil unsuitable for growth for quite a while. This factor makes it an effective long-term solution in places no plants should grow—like in driveway cracks and gravel, or in between pavers. Finally, an alcohol solution like vodka or rubbing alcohol will dehydrate weeds.

2. Cultivate Wisely

Weeds love open spaces, so the more tightly planted your gardens are, the fewer invasive species you’ll encounter. The same is true for your lawn, so replace any bare or dead spots in your grass with sod plugs or grass seed. Once you’ve established your plants, avoid disturbing the soil much. Invasive plant seeds often lie dormant just below the surface of the soil and tilling the ground encourages them to take root.

3. Mulch Regularly

Mulch isn’t just great for keeping the plants you love hydrated; it can also make it difficult for weeds to grow. Lay down mulch in plant beds often, aiming for a depth of about two to four inches for best results. Organic mulch, such as hardwood chips or leaf compost, may need replenishment annually.

4. Pull Them Up by the Root

Weed pulling seems like a task you’ll be stuck with for as long as you live in your home, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  The more young weeds you pull, the fewer seeds are released, and the fewer weeds you’ll have in the long run. Keep a regular schedule to avoid letting them get out of hand. A regular lawn care service can also keep flower beds and gardens free of unwanted plants at affordable rates.

Keeping weeds out of your landscaping can feel like a never-ending job, but employing these handy tips can help to keep your weed pulling days to a minimum. For more weed control help, as well as professional lawn maintenance and snow removal service to keep your landscaping beautiful, contact Down to Earth Landscaping & Snow Removal in Fairbanks, AK, at (907) 488-4232 or visit them online.