Weed Control

Not only do weeds look unsightly, they also compete with plants for light, water and nutrients.

Weed growth can be suppressed by using a layer of mulch like composted bark or bark chips, along with a weed suppressant like landscape fabric and covering this with bark or gravel where used around ornamental plants for a more aesthetic look. For best results, apply mulches in the early spring before weeds have had a chance to grow and become established.

Another cultural method of control for annual weeds, which can be pulled up easily, including the root systems is through either hoeing, which works best in dry weather, when the weeds are young, or alternatively by chemical means.

For more difficult weeds, such as perennials, where it is difficult to get the whole root system out manually and the weeds can regenerate from small pieces of root material, it is often necessary to employ the use of chemical weed killers for more effective and less labour-intensive control.

Weed control in mixed borders

This can be difficult, especially if a border is thickly planted. The best choice of weed killer product not only depends upon how closely the plants are growing to the weeds, but what type of weeds, are present.

If the weeds are mainly annuals and they are not growing too close to cultivated plants then a weed killer such as Weedol Max will do the job. It promises you will see a result in just 1 hour plus its eco-friendly as it uses Pelargonic Acid.

These products can be directed at weeds relatively accurately and are available in different sizes according to area to be treated.

If the weeds are deep-rooted and difficult or impossible to pull up then a systemic weed killer, based on Glyphosate, such as Round-Up or Resolva 24 Hour would be more effective. Both these products are available as ready-to-use guns for reasonably accurate application in borders.

If you are struggling to get rid of Japanese Knotweed, then we recommend you try super concentrate Round Up Tree Stump and Root Killer.

Vegetable plots

Growing vegetables in rows makes for easy maintenance. To get rid of difficult perennial weeds prior to planting or sowing, try Glyphosate based weed killer such as those mentioned above in either the autumn or spring as long as the weather conditions are not too cold or dry, as weeds need to be in active growth for systemic weed killers to work effectively.

In drier weather, hoe out annual weeds where they are growing in between rows of vegetables or use a contact weed killer such as Weedol, with a sprinkle bar on the end of the watering can for more accurate application.

Paths and patios

For long-term weed control, choose a path weed killer with residual action like Pathclear or Algon. These products will not only kill the weeds that are present, they will prevent new ones from growing for several months.

Lawns

Many spring lawn fertilisers also have a weed killer incorporated, which is useful for the control of larger, broad-leaved weeds in lawns. However for more difficult weeds it is better to apply a straight lawn weed killer such as Verdone Extra. For further details, please see our lawn-care fact sheets.