Summer is coming, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your lawn care regimen. While many of us look forward to spending long days outside, one unwelcome guest likes to take over your green space during these warmer months: weeds. Weeds can quickly overtake your lawn, leaving it looking patchy and unkempt. But, fear not! There are many ways to handle weeds, but not all are healthy for your lawn or garden. If you want to keep your lawn healthy and thriving while having a weed-free summer, this blog is for you!
Why do weeds grow so much in the summer?
Weeds tend to thrive in the summer months because of the warm temperatures and longer days. During this time of year, plants have plenty of energy to grow and thrive, and weeds are no exception. This means that weeds can take over your lawn quickly if you don’t take preventative measures. Additionally, summer is often a dry season in many areas, and this can cause your lawn to become stressed and more susceptible to weeds.
The problem with most chemical weed killers
Many homeowners turn to chemical weed killers to manage weeds, but these products often come with some negative side effects. Chemical herbicides can be harmful to humans and pets, and they can also damage some plants or disrupt the delicate balance of your soil’s ecosystem. Furthermore, many of these chemicals can seep into the soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating the environment. Many of these products can be expensive to use repeatedly throughout the summer season.
Our top weed prevention tips for summer
There are many ways to prevent weeds from growing in your lawn and garden this summer. Here are some of our top tips.
Preventative care for your lawn
The best way to manage weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place. This starts with good lawn care practices, such as consistent mowing, watering, and fertilization. A healthy lawn that is properly maintained will be more resistant to weeds and can prevent them from taking hold. That’s why we’re here to help!
Our B.E.S.T. Lawn Program was designed to avoid over-prescription of unnecessary chemicals, save you money, and protect the environment all at the same time!
To us, being the B.E.S.T. means Building Environmentally Sustainable Turf.
The main highlights of the program are:
Aeration
– Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
– Reduced soil compaction
– Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance
– Improved resiliency and cushioning
Overseeding
– Improves grass thickness, color, and overall appearance
– Reduces erosion
– Increase optimal root growth
– A natural way to care for your lawn without chemicals
Bio-Stimulants/Natural Fertilizer Alternative
– Better Disease and Pest Resistance
– Improved Overall Growth
– Protection for the Soil
– Natural alternative to fertilizer is tree-friendly and won’t cause “fertilizer burn
Can you DIY weed prevention or weed killers?
Yes, you can! There are many DIY methods for both weed prevention and killing that you can try before resorting to chemical products. These methods can be more affordable and safer for your family and pets than traditional herbicides. Here are some of the most common DIY methods and their efficacy:
Plant Ground Cover: The right ground-cover plants will choke out weeds as they spread. This is a great option if you are looking to fill a space while keeping things low-maintenance. Check out this list of Virginia native groundcover plants!
Mulch: Similarly to ground cover plants, mulch can smother weeds. Mulching your garden beds thoroughly (but not too thickly) will protect your trees and keep pesky weeds at bay.
Boiling Water: This can be an effective method for killing small, shallow-rooted weeds. However, it can also damage nearby plants and should be used with care.
Vinegar: Vinegar is a popular organic weed killer, but it can also harm other plants and soil bacteria. It’s best used in small, concentrated doses and should be avoided if you have pets or children in the yard.
Salt: Salt is a potent weed killer but can also harm surrounding plants and animals. It’s best to use this method in areas where you don’t plan to grow anything for a long time.
Keep your lawn healthy and weed-free with RTEC!
Don’t let weeds take over your lawn this summer! By taking preventative measures and utilizing DIY weed prevention methods you can keep your property healthy and weed-free all season long.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and non-toxic way to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free this summer, look no further! Our natural lawn care program uses safe, effective alternatives to traditional chemical herbicides that are better for you, your family, and the environment. Contact us today so that you can enjoy a beautiful, green space that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and making memories.
