With summer in full swing, your plant beds are probably growing quickly. Unfortunately, that might also mean that weeds are popping up faster than you can deal with them. To reduce the amount of time you spend pulling out these stubborn invaders, follow the landscaping tips below for effective weed control.

3 Ways to Limit Weed Growth

1. Prevent Weeds From Going to Seed

As weeds mature past the seedling and vegetative stages, they will begin to produce flowers and seeds with the goal of propagating. Their seeds are hardy and can lie dormant for long periods until conditions are right for growth. Pulling weeds frequently enough that they don’t reach full maturity should be your top landscaping goal this season. If the plants remain in place, their seeds will drop and be spread by insects, the wind, and even human activity, making your job harder.

2. Utilize Mulch

Even if your garden beds are filled with weed seeds, only the top few inches of soil will get enough light and water to encourage growth. You can further restrict the light and moisture that reaches weeds by using a thick layer of mulch. Not only does this contribute to weed control, but it also helps retain moisture, which can benefit your plants during summer dry spells.

3. Water Carefully

While your landscaping needs water to survive, watering indiscriminately can lead to faster weed growth. If you want to get in-depth with your irrigation system, use drip hoses around your plants to limit the flow of water to surrounding weeds. If you use a regular garden hose, concentrate the stream directly on the plants and avoid overwatering to keep runoff from reaching weeds.

Feel like you’re still fighting a losing battle? Get weed control help from the professionals at Oasis Landscapes and Irrigation. Based in Columbia, MO, they’ve been helped area residents and businesses maintain beautiful landscaping for over 30 years. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (573) 446-0858 for a free quote.