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What are the Different Types of Weed Control?
As many gardeners can attest, it doesn't take a green thumb to produce a garden lush with weeds. As long as man has been cultivating plants, weed control has been an issue. These opportunistic plants are hardy and tenacious -- some crabgrass seeds are viable for up to 60 years! There are many types of weed control available for every weed problem, ranging from simple to quite involved.
The different types of weed control can be grouped into three categories: mechanical, organic and chemical. Mechanical weed control includes simply pulling the weeds out by the root as they emerge. The drawbacks to this type of weed control are that the weed may not be completely removed, other plants may be uprooted in the process, and neighboring root systems may be damaged. Another type of mechanical weed control involves simply spacing plants close together in order to crowd out unwanted weeds. Flaming is a non-chemical method of weed control, which employs the use of a propane torch to burn weeds on driveways and sidewalks.
Some gardeners prefer a more organic approach to weed control. Mulch is a favorite type of weed control, and very effective. It deprives the weeds of much needed light. Using layers of newspaper or landscape fabric under the mulch boosts its effectiveness. Other non-toxic types of weed control include salt, vinegar, boiling water, dish washing soap and alcohol. While these may kill existing weeds temporarily, they rarely solve a long term weed problem.
The third type of weed control is chemical, which involves the use of herbicides to kill or prevent weed growth. Because many herbicides are specially formulated for specific types of weeds, a gardener must understand the type of weed he is facing. Just like plants, weeds come in annual, biennial and perennial forms. Different types of herbicides include pre-emergence, post-emergence and spot treatments.
Pre-emergence herbicides are designed to combat weeds before they sprout, and work best on crabgrass and dandelions. Corn gluten, one type of pre-emergence herbicide, has an enzyme that prevents seed germination. Although it is organic, corn gluten is often packaged with products that contain other herbicides. Post-emergence herbicides are meant to be used after the weed has sprouted, but these can kill other plants. Glyphosphate is an example of spot-treatment herbicide, which is used to kill individual weeds by direct application to the plant.
However big the problem, there are endless types of weed control available for any gardener, from beginner to expert.
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![Salt can be used to kill weeds.]()
By: ViktorSalt can be used to kill weeds. -
![Mechanical weed control is when a gardener pulls the weeds out by the roots.]()
By: PhotoSGMechanical weed control is when a gardener pulls the weeds out by the roots. -
![Herbicides kill certain types of plants, such as weeds.]()
By: tuayaiHerbicides kill certain types of plants, such as weeds. -
![Boiling water can be used as a non-toxic type of weed control.]()
By: KelpfishBoiling water can be used as a non-toxic type of weed control. -
![Flaming is the use of a propane torch to burn weeds on driveways and sidewalks.]()
By: ontebeotegFlaming is the use of a propane torch to burn weeds on driveways and sidewalks. -
![Vinegar can be used to kill weeds.]()
By: hsagenciaVinegar can be used to kill weeds. -
![Pulling out weeds by hand is one way to remove them, but sometimes at the risk of ruining the roots of other plants.]()
By: tab62Pulling out weeds by hand is one way to remove them, but sometimes at the risk of ruining the roots of other plants. -
![Some weeds, like crabgrass, should be removed by the root system to prevent growth.]()
By: Dennis OblanderSome weeds, like crabgrass, should be removed by the root system to prevent growth. -
![Mulch can help keep weeds at bay.]()
By: Wendy KaveneyMulch can help keep weeds at bay. -
![Pre-emergence herbicides are designed to combat weeds before they sprout.]()
By: Tan Kian KhoonPre-emergence herbicides are designed to combat weeds before they sprout.
Discussion Comments
@David09 - Mulch is the only one of the non-chemical weed control methods that I use, and I use it primarily for my garden weed control methods. I planted some bushes recently and threw down some mulch around them to prevent weeds from growing in the garden. It works well. For my lawn, however, I stick to tried and true herbicide products.
I use broadleaf weed control products in the spring when the weeds are actively growing and the soil is sufficiently moist. The first year I moved into my new house I had a lot of weeds so I needed to apply this product in May and then later in September.
After a couple of years when the weeds were fewer and fewer I just applied my treatments as needed. You can buy liquid or granules for this kind of weed control, but I prefer liquid as it allows me to more accurately target the areas I’m trying to get.
I use fertilizer weed control. It usually targets the majority of weeds that sprout up, including different kinds of broadleaf weeds, while providing my lawn with much needed nitrogen.
Yes, it has chemicals and you have to be careful to apply it in moderation according to the recommended settings. But it’s the best solution especially if you have a large lawn like I do.
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