Weeds are a serious pain in the grass. But as tempting as it is to grab that bottle of chemical weed killers, don't do it. Chemical weed killers are incredibly harmful to you, your family, your pets, and the environment, especially critical pollinators like bees and butterflies. Instead, choose one of these effective, non-toxic ways to control weeds. It’s safer, cheaper, and more effective.
Choosing non-toxic weed control methods is not only safer for you and your loved ones but also better for the environment. Harsh chemical weed killers can be detrimental to the soil, water sources, and local wildlife. By opting for natural weed control solutions, you're promoting a healthier, more sustainable landscape.
1. Mulching
Mulch is your garden's best friend. There are tons of types of mulch, both organic and inorganic. Mulch works by blocking sunlight and stopping new weed seeds from sprouting. A thick layer of mulch (thickness depends on type) ensures that any breakthrough weeds are easier to remove since their roots won’t be as deep.
Types of organic mulch include:
Types of inorganic mulch include:
Pros of mulch:
Cons of mulch:
Weeding might be tedious – or it might just be the best free therapy you have in an increasingly chaotic world. Or consider a helping hand by requesting a quote for Detail Maintenance services with A Cut Above.
Pros of hand weeding:
Cons of hand weeding:
Gardeners use landscape fabric to smother weed seeds and block the sun and air they need to grow. The woven sheet of fabric is sold in long black rolls with perforated holes to let water through. Rolls are about 3 feet wide and more than 200 feet long. Cost varies depending on the brand and thickness of the landscape fabric.
Pros of landscape fabric:
Cons of landscape fabric:
There are effective homemade weed killers right in your kitchen cabinet. They’re inexpensive and effective, but be careful. They’re also non-selective, meaning they’ll kill any plant they touch, including your grass and flowers. But it also means it’s effective against many different types of weeds, including crabgrass.
Vinegar: Vinegar’s acetic acid breaks down the cell wall, dehydrating it and causing it to die.
Salt: Salt sterilizes the soil, making it difficult for weeds to grow
Dish Soap: Dish soap breaks down the plant’s cell walls, causing the plant to dehydrate.
Baking Soda: Baking soda has a high salt content, so it’ll suck the moisture out of your weeds.
Recipe: 1 gallon of white vinegar 2 cups of Epsom salt or table salt 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake it up until mixed. Let it stand for two minutes, then saturate your weeds. Let everything sit for a day, then return to watch the weeds die.
Pros of everyday household items:
Cons of everyday household items:
Corn gluten meal, a byproduct of wet grain milling, is often used to feed livestock and poultry, but it’s also an effective weed killer. It inhibits root growth, making it difficult for weeds to establish. As a bonus, it adds nitrogen to the soil. It’s best used as a pre-emergent, though, as it doesn’t kill existing weeds.
Pros of corn gluten meal:
Cons of corn gluten meal:
If you have the time to boil water, you can create one of the most natural weed killers. You’ll kill both the weed and the taproot as the hot water drains into the soil. The water seeps into hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks in your driveway, walkway, or garden path. But be intentional with your pouring as it kills grass and flowers, too.
Pros of boiling water:
Cons of boiling water:
Ground covers are nature’s blanket. They’re soft underfoot, and most importantly, they block the sun so new weeds can’t grow. Some examples of ground covers are creeping Jenny, creeping phlox, red creeping thyme, yellow alyssum, and sedum.
Planting low-growing ground covers can save time on weeding and improve the appearance of your yard by adding color and texture. Ground covers also draw rainwater into the soil and reduce runoff.
Pros of ground covers:
Cons of ground covers:
Solarization uses clear plastic to trap heat and cause thermal destruction via the greenhouse effect. It also holds moisture, increasing the chances that heat is carried to seeds deep in the soil. The steamy combination is lethal, and once you remove the plastic sheeting, the weeds are gone. Solarizing kills grass, soil pests, and diseases, too.
Pros of solarization:
Cons of solarization:
What’s the safest weed killer for pets? Boiling water is the safest weed killer for pets. It’s also the safest for humans (as long as you don’t burn yourself) and the environment. While all non-toxic weed killers are safe, many pets eat grass, so some non-toxic options could make them sick. But when using boiling water, you’re just adding water to your lawn. Just make sure they don’t jump on you during application.
How do you permanently stop weeds from growing in your yard? The short answer is you can’t permanently stop weeds from growing in your yard. Weeds are resilient and will always find a way. However, maintaining a healthy lawn, using mulch, and regularly weeding can significantly reduce weed growth.
Is vinegar harmful to the soil? No, vinegar is not harmful to your soil. Although vinegar contains acetic acid, giving it an acidic pH, it breaks down quickly and won’t affect your soil’s pH.
Can I use household salt to kill weeds? Yes, salt can be an effective weed killer, but it must be used carefully. Salt can sterilize the soil, making it difficult for any plants to grow, including your grass and flowers. It’s best used in areas where you don’t want any vegetation, like cracks in the driveway.
How effective is corn gluten meal in weed control? Corn gluten meal is effective as a pre-emergent weed control. It prevents weed seeds from germinating but does not kill existing weeds. It's best used as part of a comprehensive lawn care program and works well for maintaining established lawns.
Are there any natural weed killers that won’t harm my grass? Boiling water, vinegar, and household salt are all non-selective and will kill any plants they come in contact with, including grass. For spot treatments, you can try applying these solutions carefully to avoid contact with your desired plants. Hand weeding and mulching are the safest methods to protect your grass while controlling weeds.
How often should I reapply natural weed killers? Natural weed killers may require multiple applications, especially for weeds with deep root systems. For solutions like vinegar and salt, you may need to reapply every couple of weeks. Monitoring your lawn and addressing weeds as they appear will help keep them under control.
What is the best time of year to apply corn gluten meal? Corn gluten meal is most effective when applied in early spring and fall, just before weed seeds begin to germinate. In Colorado, aim for early April and early September for optimal results.
Can I use mulch year-round for weed control? Yes, mulch can be used year-round. It helps suppress weeds, retains moisture, and adds organic matter to the soil. Be sure to refresh organic mulch as it breaks down and depletes over time to maintain its effectiveness.
Is hand weeding practical for large lawns? Hand weeding can be labor-intensive, especially for large lawns. It is most practical for smaller areas or targeted weed control. For larger areas, combining hand weeding with other methods like mulching, corn gluten meal, and landscape fabric can be more effective and manageable.
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We don’t just stop at weed control. Our comprehensive Lawn Services include overseeding, aeration, and fertilization, ensuring your lawn is not only weed-free but also lush, green, and healthy all year round. Imagine a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood!
Don’t wait until weeds take over. Request a quote for recurring Detail Maintenance service as part of our Total Freedom - Total Care Maintenance package and take the first step towards a stunning, healthy landscape. Or you can schedule a one-off Yard Cleanup. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your lawn is in the hands of the experts at A Cut Above Landscape. Your dream lawn is just a call away! Request for a quote now!