Understanding is the key to managing weeds

They are tough and relentless. Weeds can thrive in the most unsavory environmental conditions. Drought, fire and even herbicide applications don’t kill all weeds.  And, they will outcompete with desired plants for sunlight, water, nutrients, and space. 

Weeds offer some benefits

• Protect bare soil from erosion.
• Improve the soil by imparting organic matter.
• Absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Can provide habitat for birds, worms, and beneficial insects.
• And – some have powerful medicinal properties (and are edible)

Weeds are a problem when

• They overpower desired plants and deplete the soil of nutrients and moisture.
• Their unattractive appearance, texture, color and growth habit detracts from your garden or landscape.
• They harbor disease-carrying insects that spread to desired plants.
• Poisonous weeds can be dangerous to you and your pets.
• Invasive weeds take over your garden in a single growing season.

• Tips for Managing Weeds
  

  The harsh truth is that you can never completely eliminate weeds, but effective management will help control them. 
  Your first step is prevention.

  Tips on Weed Prevention
  

  Plant Choices The right plant in the right place sounds simple but makes all the difference.  Healthy vigorous plants have the best chance of out-competing weeds.

  Healthy Soil Make sure that plants are healthy by feeding the soil with organic products including mulch and compost.

  Mulching and Sheet Mulching Mulch keeps the soil cool and moist.  It deprives weeds of light.  Organic mulches enhance soil structure and host insects can devour weeds.  Sheet mulching is layering of cardboard, newsletter or fabric.  It serves as a weed barrier.

  Proper irrigation is critical We recommend drip because the water goes directly to the root of the plant, not in between them. Spray irrigation can encourage weed growth.

  Pre-emergent Herbicides There are products that range from natural to chemicals whose purpose is to control the germination of weed seeds. This product will not impact weeds that have already grown.  An herbicide is a barrier so it needs to thoroughly cover an area for maximum effectiveness.