A Gardener’s Guide to Weed Prevention

Buzz Landscaping Inc. • August 11, 2020
A single dandelion is growing in the grass.

After creating idyllic landscaping around your home, it can be frustrating to watch weeds sprout and destroy your progress. However, when you understand the causes of weed growth and how to prevent it, you can keep your lawn and planter boxes healthy. Here are a few tips for preventing weeds in a garden.

A man is spraying a lawn with a sprayer.

How to Prevent Weed Growth In a Garden

What causes weeds to grow?

Weeds are characterized as invasive plant species that do not serve an important purpose. Weeds can grow anywhere outdoors where there is room, and they generate thousands of seeds before dying off.


Depending on the type of weed, the seeds can travel through the air, floating to and contaminating other areas, or they can sit ungerminated in the soil for months or years. This makes it extremely difficult to control weed growth within your landscaping. With the right sunlight and moisture levels, seeds can germinate and grow quite quickly, perpetuating the problem. 


How can you prevent them? 

Switching from spray irrigation to drip irrigation can help to prevent weed growth. Focusing the irrigation on concentrated areas of landscaping will keep water from spreading to areas of the yard where plants aren’t growing.


Placing a few inches of mulch on top of flowerbeds and around plants can also prevent weed growth. This will keep weed seeds within the soil from getting too much sunlight exposure that’s necessary for growth. Mulch also provides a barrier for new seeds, so they can’t access the nutrient-rich soil. 


Selective, non-selective, and pre-emergent herbicides can also be helpful in controlling weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides are used in the spring to keep weeds from germinating. Non-selective herbicides contain chemicals that can kill all plant growth by interfering with the growth cycle of plants. This option can be used to spray large patches of unwanted plants. Selective herbicides are designed to kill targeted weeds like crabgrass and dandelions without killing desirable plants like turf grass.

If you’re concerned about the health of your yard, turn to Buzz Landscaping Inc. in Conway, AR. For more than 25 years, this trusted team of professionals has been creating gorgeous, functional yards for clients throughout Faulkner County. They can help with everything from custom deck building to paver patios. Explore their recent projects online, or call (501) 730-4515 to speak with a friendly staff member about their services.

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