Prevent Weeds This Summer

To start preparing your property against weeds, inspect these following areas to make sure they won’t be hospitable to them. Consult your local landscaping professionals as well, to come up with a detailed plan to prevent weeds.

1. Pathways. Paths made from loose materials, such as bark mulch, decomposed granite or stones, can act as seeding beds, offering a natural spot for weeds to grow. Have weed preventer sprayed on these materials.
2. Underneath shrubs. Areas under shrubs can be hard to reach, shady and moist - a perfect place for weeds.
3. Unpaved driveways and parking areas. Whether grassy, muddy or filled with gravel, these areas often roll out the welcome mat for weeds.
4. Cracks and crevices. Cracks between paving stones, bricks or slabs of concrete provide natural entry points for weeds. If the weeds are not dealt with, roots can lift pavers or bricks, creating dangerous uneven spots while potentially ruining the clean look of your patio or walkway. Have a landscaping professional help attack these situations right away.
5. Beneath decks. Despite sparse sunlight, weeds may still grow under decks.
6. Around downspouts. Weeds often thrive at the base of down spouts where moisture is abundant. Heavy rains can wash seeds from these weeds into other areas of your yard.
7. Along fences and foundations. Often out-of-sight and out-of-mind, these areas are natural spots for weed build-up.
8. Freshly tilled soil. Anytime you turn soil or an animal digs a hole, you expose buried weed seeds, creating an area to watch for new seedlings.
9. Open soil. Keep a close watch on your yard for dead spots or open areas. Fill them in as soon as you can, adding new plants, seeds or mulch. Bare spots in your property should be over seeded with desirable grass seed. In new plantings, cultivate often to uproot new weed seedlings.

Contact your local landscaper or lawn care professionals to assist you in creating a blueprint for preventing weeds. They can also assist in many other ways to get your lawn ready for spring and summer and can make recommendations tailor-made for your specific property and climate.

By Kellen Owings