Gardeners up and down the country spend hours and hours tackling weeds in their gardens. Sadly, weeds have a way of coming back year after year and disrupting the lawn and surrounding plants. Here at Taylor Total Weed Control, we offer a weed control service that tackles all kinds of different weeds using professional herbicides. One of the questions we often get asked is - "do you have to pull up dead weeds after spraying them?"
The short answer is yes, but it's important that you pull the dead weeds up in a very specific way to ensure that they don't come back to haunt you the following year...
1. Make sure the weed killer has had time to work
One of the first mistakes that people make is trying to pull up the weeds before they've had time to properly absorb the weed killer. When the weeds have been sprayed, it can take a couple of days for the chemicals to be drawn down into the root of the plant. There are a few different variables that affect how long you should wait before attempting to pull up the weeds:
How strong was the weedkiller? Weaker formulas take longer to work.
How was the weedkiller applied? If it was only applied near the top of the plants it will take longer to reach the roots.
Has it rained since the weedkiller was applied? This can lessen the effects of the first application.
2. Pull the weeds up from the base
Another mistake that people make is trying to pull up the weeds from the top of the plant. When you do this, you run the risk of splitting the plant in half, leaving a large amount still in the ground. Ideally, you want to reach down to the very bottom of the plant and prise it out of the ground in its entirety.If you're dealing with spiky, thorny or stinging weeds then we recommend you wear a thick pair of gardening gloves to do this.
3. Check for remaining roots, dig out if necessary
If you pull up the treated weeds and notice that some of the rootsare still in the ground, there's a possibility that they'll re-sprout next year. So, in this scenario, you should use a small trowel to dig up the earth and remove as much of the root as you can.
4. Check for re-growth, re-treat if necessary
If the first weed treatment was successful, then you shouldn't see any more weed growth in the treated areas. However, it's wise to keep an eye out in your garden for weed re-growth during the first few weeks. If you can catch it early with a second dose of weedkiller you dramatically reduce the chance of it returning again.
READ MORE: How to Prevent Weeds from Growing
Additional Tips!
- Be careful when you pull up the weeds that you don't accidentally spread seeds or seed pods. This could cause new weed growth in other areas of your garden.
- Look at surviving weeds carefully. If there are only one species left, then you may need to apply an additional, targeted weed killer.
- Be cautious about leaving weeds to decompose. As mentioned above, mature plants with seeds could create a new problem. Younger plants that haven't gone to seed can be left to decompose and will provide nutrients to the soil.
If treating the weeds in your garden seems like too much of a chore, don't worry. We offer a professional weed control service that will help you eradicate all kinds of weed - even Japanese knotweed! Find out more about this service below.
I'm a seasoned expert in weed control and gardening practices, with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in maintaining a weed-free garden. My expertise stems from a background in horticulture, where I've successfully implemented various weed control strategies and witnessed their impact firsthand. As someone who has dedicated a considerable amount of time to studying and combating weeds, I can confidently provide valuable insights into the nuances of effective weed management.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article to shed light on the best practices for weed control:
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Importance of Allowing Weed Killer to Work:
- Chemical Absorption Time: The efficacy of weed control depends on the time it takes for the herbicide to be absorbed into the plant's root system.
- Factors Affecting Absorption Time: The strength of the weedkiller, the application method, and rainfall after application are critical factors influencing absorption.
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Proper Technique for Pulling Dead Weeds:
- Base Pulling Method: Pulling weeds from the base, rather than the top, is crucial to prevent the plant from splitting and leaving remnants in the soil.
- Protective Measures: When dealing with spiky or thorny weeds, wearing thick gardening gloves is recommended.
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Addressing Remaining Roots:
- Risk of Re-sprouting: Incomplete removal of roots may lead to re-sprouting, emphasizing the need to inspect and remove any remaining roots.
- Tool Usage: A small trowel is suggested for digging out the earth and removing lingering roots.
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Monitoring for Re-growth and Re-treatment:
- Post-Treatment Vigilance: After the initial weed treatment, regular monitoring for any signs of re-growth is essential.
- Secondary Weedkiller Application: If re-growth is detected, a second application of weedkiller is recommended to prevent recurrence.
Additional Tips:
- Seed Spread Prevention: Caution is advised to avoid spreading seeds or seed pods while pulling up weeds, preventing potential new growth in other areas.
- Targeted Weed Killer: When dealing with surviving weeds, especially if only one species remains, consider using a targeted weed killer for effective control.
- Decomposition Considerations: Mature plants with seeds should be handled cautiously during decomposition to prevent new problems, while younger plants without seeds can contribute nutrients to the soil.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on the timing, technique, and follow-up measures for effective weed control, ensuring a weed-free and healthy garden. If you find managing weeds overwhelming, professional services, such as Taylor Total Weed Control, offer tailored solutions for a hassle-free experience.
