How to Get Rid of Weeds in Landscaped Beds

One of the most common questions we get is how to stop weeds from coming back. Even if only left to grow for a short time, weeds will make a beautiful landscape look unsightly and unkept. On top of that, weeding is a pesky chore that nobody enjoys dealing with. What can you do to keep them from continually coming back?

Choosing the Right Herbicide

Before doing anything to prevent future weed growth, you must eliminate any existing weeds in your garden beds. Hand pulling is not effective as it does not kill the entire plant. Unless you get every molecular cell, it will come back time and time again. That’s why we recommend using selective chemical herbicides or natural means (like citrus oil or vinegar). Which is more effective? It really depends on the amount of work you want to do. Natural herbicides require multiple applications. When applied correctly and safely, however, selective herbicides can get the job done with just one application.

Early Spring Preparation

Your chances of avoiding any weed outbreaks will be greater if you get an early start combatting them in spring. Before applying mulch, consider putting down a pre-emergent weed killer (often a granular product), to stop any new unwelcome seeds from germinating. Then, you can follow it up with your standard mulching. Mulch has many benefits, including preventing weeds from seeing the light of day and significantly upgrading the aesthetic of any garden bed.

Should I Use Weed Barrier?

You may have come across weed tarps or fabric barriers at hardware stores in your travels. These work well in the beginning, but we find them to be ineffective in the long term. Over time, weeds end up germinating in the mulch anyway. Plus, weed barriers will almost certainly become a nuisance at some point in the future when trying to replant, as you have to cut through it. After that, the barrier will be nearly impossible to completely remove.

Regular Maintenance

Unfortunately, there is no cure all for weeds. Like Ian Malcom said in Jurassic Park, “Life finds a way”. The only way to keep your beds free of weeds is to get out there once a week and stay on top of them. Even then, weeds are not completely avoidable. The idea is that the landscape will never be unsightly, and you won’t suffer from the rapid spreading of weeds.

Let Eddington Landscaping Help with Your Weeding

Does weeding your garden sound like a nuisance? Eddington Landscaping offers a regular bed maintenance service, so that weeds never get out of control. Since 2011, we have worked to help homeowners, property management companies and businesses create the perfect landscapes that meet their budget and maintenance requirements. To learn more, call us today at (512) 432-4866 or request a quote here.