Why there’s no place for weeds in your outdoor space

August 17th, 2012 Home

While weeds undoubtedly get a hard time, there is a reason for the ire thrown at them. Weeds are, in the most basic sense, just a plant that happens to have grown where it is not welcome. In another place or another situation it could be welcome, but when attempting to create an enticing garden design or planting plan they only serve to ruin best-laid plans.

Landscaping your outdoor space can lead to much improved usage and improve your quality of life vastly – the opportunity to make the most of your land and get into nature and the occasional sunshine should not be passed up. However weeds will slowly eradicate even the best landscaping if not controlled.

Weeds are just plants trying to grow, but in doing this they will provide competition for the selections within your planting plans and restrict their ability to grow and flourish as imagined. Without good management weeds can occupy stylish minimalist planting areas or strangle the life from flowerbeds.

It’s nigh-on impossible to stop weeds appearing, however there are ways to reduce the likelihood of them appearing and restricting their opportunities. Bare soil is easily colonised by weeds, so cover with mulch like bark or leaf manure to keep moist but halt weed growth. If it’s not a visually important area consider just covering with a tarpaulin.

In pots or fuller planting areas attempt to pull annual weeds before they seed and spread, removing all the roots where possible as they don’t need much of a hold to regrow. Again well-draining mulch, like pebbles or shells, are good to stop weeds and algae from returning once removed.

On lawns good maintenance, aeration and drainage will reduce weed growth, but direct herbicide application (gels are good) can be used on prominent problem weeds, or the grass can be raked to weaken the hold of weeds.

Keeping on top of any weed problem will ensure you can make the most of your outdoors and live to the fullest in your home.