Weed killers can help control unwanted plants in your lawn, but should only be used after having mowed four times or so.
Pre-emergent weed killers are ideal as they stop seeds from germinating or kill existing weeds before they even appear, yet using an inappropriate product or applying it at an inappropriate time may actually make your problem worse.
1. It kills the grass
Most lawn products contain weed killer that works by inhibiting root or shoot development or altering foliage, but unfortunately this can also kill off grass species you wish to preserve.
Weed and feed products usually contain high nitrogen fertilizers that should only be applied during late spring when grass begins to emerge from dormancy. Nonetheless, they can still be applied effectively when applied later in the fall season.
2. It kills the soil
There are various homegrown, organic solutions for eliminating weeds at home. From boiling water to various ingredients combined in a recipe.
These high nitrogen, quick release fertilizers can actually deplete soil nutrients over time; for this reason, autumn is usually the optimal time for applying them.
If you must eliminate weeds, use selective herbicides that target certain varieties while leaving the grass intact unharmed. Or alternatively, try burning or mowing until all weeds have been eradicated.
3. It kills the insects
There are various weed killers on the market, but only certain ones are truly safe to use. Glyphosate-based products don’t harm grass and are ideal for clearing an area to start fresh in creating your lawn or garden.
Pre-emergent weed killers prevent annual weeds from emerging by blocking their baby root cells and inhibiting their development. Preventive measures should be employed both during spring and fall seasons.
4. It kills the birds
Numerous common weed killers can be toxic to birds. They may cause respiratory difficulties and damage to cells; furthermore, these chemicals may impede plant growth by stopping seeds from germinating.
Avoiding the risks of weed killer by choosing nontoxic alternatives. Be mindful to select products designed specifically to eliminate specific weed species; some broad-spectrum chemicals are toxic enough to kill all things that touch them.
5. It kills the wildlife
Traditional weed killers contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to pets, dogs and wildlife. These substances may be absorbed through their skin or paw pads when foraging for food or taking potty breaks in treated areas.
Homemade weed killer solutions that are safe for families and pets exist. It is best to spot treat individual weeds instead of spraying your yard with chemical solutions to control them.
6. It kills the birds’ eggs
Chemical weed killers such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D), commonly referred to as 2,4 D, contain chemicals which are harmful to birds by attacking their wings and bodies while altering odor, hearing, and taste.
Many home-made organic weed killer solutions can be found online. While some may prevent new weeds from sprouting altogether, others target those already emerging; it is essential that users conduct thorough research in order to differentiate the types.
7. It kills the fish
Many weed and feed products contain systemic herbicides that kill broadleaf weeds like dandelions while potentially harming grass as they penetrate their cells and destroy them from within.
However, you can achieve a balance by choosing either pre-emergent or post-emergent weed killers – just make sure that you understand exactly what’s involved!
8. It kills the insects’ eggs
Many weed killers are targeted, meaning they only kill the specific types of weeds you wish to eliminate without compromising grass or other desirable plants. Other products may be more generalized and destroy all greenery they come into contact with.
Weed and feed products contain both herbicides and fertilizers, enabling users to target specific weeds effectively with just one spray application. It is best to apply such treatments on sunny days to expedite drying them out quickly.
9. It kills the insects’ eggs
Preventing weeds from sprouting altogether is the ideal method of controlling them, meaning maintaining healthy lawns, mulching regularly, and only using pre-emergent herbicides when absolutely necessary.
Many people are turning to natural and homemade weed killers such as baking soda as an environmentally-friendly and pet-safe weedkilling solution. Baking soda kills any greenery it touches for an earth-friendly and family friendly solution.
10. It kills the insects’ eggs
Weeds are invasive plants that wreak havoc on native ecosystems while siphoning off water and nutrients that would otherwise benefit lawngrass.
Weed killers come in two forms: granules that work their way into the soil to hit seeds and roots directly, as well as liquid sprays applied directly onto offending weeds. Many contain neonicotinoid chemicals which disrupt bee foraging habits by altering foraging, homing, scenting, and navigation patterns.