Weed Control Mistakes To Avoid This Summer

Weeds are the nemesis of every gardener. They steal vital nutrients and much-needed water from your plants, and make your landscaping look unattractive and untamed. Unfortunately, weeds exist in just about every garden, and it’s a challenge everyone has to confront. The key is knowing the most effective ways to keep weeds out of your garden and the common mistakes to avoid.

Common weed-control mistakes every gardener should avoid include waiting until summer to start weeding, using the wrong herbicide, and leaving the ground bare and vulnerable to germination. Avoid cutting your lawn too short, and try not to water the garden every day. When pulling weeds by hand, avoid straining your body and remember to pull the entire root out. Never apply weed killer on hot or windy days.

Weeding is no one’s favorite chore, but controlling this unwanted growth is instrumental to every garden’s success. If you are new to gardening or find yourself constantly weeding with no end in sight, then keep reading. Below is a list of common weed-control mistakes gardeners make and how to avoid them.

11 Weed Control Mistakes To Avoid This Summer

1. Waiting Until Summer To Start

Weeds are notoriously resilient, often much than the plants you cultivate in your garden. They grow early in the season, through the end of the season until the ground freezes. If you wait until summer, when weeds are established and deeply rooted, you will struggle to suppress and control the problem. It may even feel impossible to keep up.

How To Avoid: Always begin weeding in early spring. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide at this time, and address weed issues as soon as you notice them. The earlier you start, the easier it is to keep the issue under control.

2. Mistaking Weeds For Desirable Plants

Another common mistake for novice gardeners is not properly identifying weeds. If you aren’t familiar with the kinds of weeds in your region, it’s easy to think anything with a flower or nice color is something you want to keep. Many weeds have flowers, but should be picked, as they spread seeds quickly. It’s also possible to pull up desirable plants, mistaking them for weeds.

How To Avoid: The best way to avoid mistaking weeds for plants you want to keep is to do a bit of research or ask a gardening professional in your area. If you aren’t sure whether a plant is a weed, take a photo of it and ask a knowledgeable gardener. The longer you garden, the easier it becomes to spot weeds

3. Leaving The Soil Bare

For weeds to thrive, they need ideal conditions. Many are resilient, and if you make it easy for them to spread, they will do so rapidly. Exposed soil in your garden and throughout your yard will almost certainly fill with unwanted growth. Bare soil is the ideal growing environment for weeds, especially when they have no competition.

How To Avoid: Always cover soil in your yard and throughout your garden. Cover bare patches of dirt with quality mulch, gravel, or other materials. Use mulch throughout your garden to help your plants retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

4. Incorrectly Watering Your Garden

Weeds require water to thrive. If you have an irrigation system that constantly releases small amounts of water, you are creating the perfect breeding ground for weeds. Most weeds love consistently moist soil and can sprout very quickly in these ideal conditions. 

How To Avoid: As you water your garden, consider watering for longer periods fewer times per week. Instead of constant moisture, allow several days between waterings, as this will make it more difficult for weeds to germinate.

 5. Using The Wrong Herbicide

There are many weed killers and herbicides available for purchase. Most garden stores have an entire aisle dedicated to them, although they don’t all do the same thing.  One common error gardeners make is using the wrong herbicide or applying a specific herbicide at the wrong time of year. This can be ineffective at combating weeds, and can even damage your lawn and garden.

How To Avoid: Always read the herbicide instructions before applying. Ensure you use the correct product at the right time of year. If you aren’t sure what type to use, consult your local garden supply store.

6. Applying Herbicide When It’s Too Hot

Some herbicides should be applied in the summer, but it’s crucial to check the weather before using them. Applying most herbicides when the temperature is above 85 degrees can burn your plants, destroy your lawn, and have other negative effects on your landscaping.

How To Avoid: Never apply herbicide on hot days. Check the forecast in advance and choose a day with pleasant, cool temperatures to ensure safe results.

7. Cutting Your Lawn Too Short 

Lawn care goes hand-in-hand with controlling weeds that live in your lawn and spread into your gardens, and vice versa. If you cut your lawn too short, it can activate weeds. When you expose soil to sunlight, unwanted growth can creep through and even kill your grass.

How To Avoid: While it can be tempting to cut the grass short to avoid having to mow so frequently, it's not a good idea. Keep grass trimmed to the recommended height (which varies by grass type). Keeping your grass at the proper height keeps your lawn looking great and keeps weeds under control.

8. Spraying Herbicide When It’s Windy

Spreading anything outside when it’s windy is not a good idea, especially if it’s a chemical. Wind will carry a herbicide away from its intended location. Not only can this be a waste of money, but it can even damage your garden and yard, depending on where it lands.

How To Avoid: When checking the weather, ensure you listen to the wind forecast and the temperature. Only apply herbicides on calm days with predictable weather.

9. Leaving Roots In The Ground When Hand Pulling

Hand-pulling weeds is an undesirable but necessary chore every gardener must perform. One mistake to avoid when oing this is to remove only the top part of a weed. If you don’t rip out the entire plant with all its roots, then it is almost certain to grow back.

How To Avoid: When pulling weeds, ensure you grab the base of the plant and get a firm grip before pulling. Don’t rush the process, and consider using a small shovel or a rake for larger, more persistent weeds.

10. Not Factoring In Potential Contamination Issues

One potentially dangerous mistake to avoid in summer weed control is contamination from chemicals. When applied incorrectly, when it’s windy, or when heavy rain is forecast, you risk contaminating nearby water sources, including ponds and pools.

How To Avoid: Always read the care instructions on a herbicide to ensure you follow all the proper safety precautions. Make sure it won’t be hot or windy. Also, avoid applying chemicals to your yard if rain is forecast within 24 hours.

11. Injury Due To Manually Pulling Weeds

Hand-pulling weeds is a great cardiovascular workout, but it can also take a toll on your body. If you’re constantly bending over to pull weeds or using incorrect posture, you can increase your risk of injury. Performing the same repetitive movement can also cause muscle and joint pain over time.

How To Avoid: Whenever you hand-pull weeds, take plenty of breaks. Instead of bending over, use a garden stool or knee pads to get closer to the ground. Instead of weeding for long periods, switch up your garden tasks every 30 minutes to avoid overworking one muscle group.

Summing Up Weed Control Mistakes To Avoid This Summer

Weeds are a reality every gardener and homeowner with a lawn must address. Getting rid of them is not an enjoyable task, but if you approach weed-control proactively, you can make it a manageable chore. Some weed-control mistakes to avoid include applying herbicide on very hot or windy days and leaving bare soil exposed.

Avoid trimming the lawn too short, and pull the entire weed (root and all) when hand-pulling weeds. Ensure you use the correct herbicide, and if you aren’t certain if a plant is a weed, take a photo and consult a garden expert. Avoid weeding for prolonged periods, as it can increase your risk of injury.

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