4 Ways to Remove Weeds from Your Lawn

Even a few weeds is all that it takes for lawns to start taking on an unkempt look. Whether they are interested in protecting the market value of a property or just beautifying their surroundings, there are plenty of ways for homeowners to remove weeds from their lawn, yard or landscaped area. Pesticides may not always be the best route for getting rid of the weeds and unwanted plants that may be turning the lawn into an eyesore.

1. Xeriscaping

Perhaps the most radical way of getting rid of weeds, xeriscaping is a method of landscape design that makes use of native plants, hardscaped areas and other fixtures like rock gardens to minimize or outright eliminate the need to irrigate. Rather than fighting a loosing battle against native plants that may be invading a lawn, xeriscaping seeks to redesign the space in order to showcase native plants in a more attractive way. While certainly not for everyone, the chance to lower utility costs and reduce the time and effort spend on upkeep can be very attractive to some homeowners.

2. Blocking Sunlight

Simply covering a weed so that it is unable to obtain the sunlight it needs to survive is a straightforward and effective way to handle lawn care and landscape maintenance. Old newspapers are ideal for blocking off sunlight, although more durable materials may be required whenever the forecast calls for rain. Putting down a tarp or finding something to cover up weeds and unwanted plants can make removal a snap.

3. Vodka, Vinegar or Boiling Water

There are a number of drawbacks to using herbicides in order to remove unwanted plants. Chemical agents that could pose a potential health risk to small children or pets are not always welcome within the home. The good news is that, with a little careful application, there are no shortage of alternatives that may prove to be just as effective. Pouring vodka, vinegar or boiling water onto a week can kill the plant before it spreads and make for much easier removal.

4. Pulling Weeds by Hand

Sometimes there is no way around it. From herbicides that fail to do the job to ensuring a weed's entire root system has been removed, homeowners may simply have to roll up their sleeves in order to get the job done. Other methods can help to do much of the heavy lifting and ensure that weeding by hand is less likely to become an ordeal.

From creating the perfect home to selling an investment property, lawn care can often make a tremendous difference. Easier and more effective ways to deal with weeds helps to ensure lawn care efforts are met with greater success. Creating and maintaining the perfect lawn may not be quite the chore that home and property owners might be expecting.

Tom James,