How to kill weeds?

[anitassn]

Hi All,

I recently moved to our house and the backyard has been covered with weeds and with recent rains it has flourished. Any suggestions on how to tackle it? Are weedkillers the only way to go? Is it harmful if I want to grow veggies and lawns in that spot later?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @anitassn,

It would be helpful if you could share some images of your backyard so our members can better understand the scale of the issue and offer more tailored advice. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.

Weedkillers can be a convenient solution, as most are designed to target weeds without persisting in the soil. This ensures they won’t harm any future lawns or vegetables you plan to grow. However, always check the product label to confirm it’s safe for your intended use, especially if you’re planning a veggie garden.

If you’d prefer to avoid chemicals, there are alternative approaches. One option is to lay thick black plastic over the weedy area. This method, known as solarisation, blocks sunlight and suffocates the weeds, effectively killing them over time. Alternatively, you can remove weeds manually using tools like a Fiskars 4 Prongs Xact Weed Puller. Although more labour-intensive, this approach provides immediate results and is completely chemical-free. 

You might also like to check out this helpful article: How to remove weeds without harming your pets. It provides several chemical-free options.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[anitassn]

  

[MitchellMc]

Hi again @anitassn,

Based on the condition of your backyard, you have a couple of solid options for tackling the weeds and preparing the space for new growth. If you're comfortable with using chemicals, spraying an herbicide will help eliminate the existing weeds and any remaining grass, giving you a clean slate to start over. On the other hand, if you'd like to avoid chemicals, you can use black plastic to suffocate the weeds. By covering the area with plastic for a few weeks, the sun will kill the weeds without the need for any chemical treatments.

Once the weeds are cleared, aerating the soil will be an essential step, especially since the soil appears compacted. Aeration allows for better water and nutrient penetration, which is important for healthy grass or vegetable growth. After aerating, you'll be ready to reseed your lawn or plant your vegetable garden.

Mitchell

[anitassn]

Hi Mitchell

thank you for sharing the details. Do you mind recommending any good weed killer which is not harmful for vegetation in the future and for future lawns

[MitchellMc]

I'd recommend using Yates 1L 490g/L Zero Weed Killer Super Concentrate @anitassn. You can mix it up and spray it with a garden pump sprayer.

Remember your PPE when mixing and spraying including a face mask, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers and gloves.

Mitchell