Best Way to Remove Weeds from Large Area

Removing weeds from a large area can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re dealing with various types of weeds and a substantial expanse of soil.

Whether you’re managing a residential or commercial landscape, it’s essential to manage weed growth effectively to maintain a healthy, vibrant landscape.

Understanding the Challenge of Weed Removal in Large Areas

Weeds compete with desirable plants for sunlight, moisture, and soil nutrients, impacting the health of lawns, gardens, and vegetable patches

Common types, such as crabgrass and dandelions, can spread quickly and are difficult to control due to their deep-rooted systems.

The key to effective weed removal is choosing the right combination of methods, from manual techniques, like digging and hoeing, to preventative measures like using a pre-emergent herbicide. 

Preparing Your Lawn or Garden for Weed Removal

Before diving into weed control, evaluate the types of plants you want to protect. Certain plants, especially those with shallow roots, can be easily affected by aggressive weed removal methods.

For example, nearby plants in a vegetable garden may suffer if strong weed killers are used without proper care. 

To make the task easier, mow your lawn or use string trimmers to cut down tall weeds. This step will give you a clearer view of the weeds and soil and will help reduce the weed’s ability to spread seeds.

Mowing also removes the tops of larger weeds, which helps with weed control by preventing them from flowering and spreading further. 

Manual Weed Removal Techniques

Manual weeding, while time-consuming, is often one of the most effective ways to rid large areas of unwanted growth.

Start by pulling weeds by hand or using a hoe to target weeds like dandelions that have deep-rooted systems. When pulling weeds, try to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. 

For tougher, deep-rooted weeds, digging around the root system with a garden spade can help. Be cautious not to disturb the roots of nearby plants, as digging too close to them can damage their stems or roots.

Additionally, breaking up the soil after weed removal and adding compost can help maintain soil health and encourage desirable plant growth. 

Smothering and Covering Weeds

One popular and sustainable technique to remove weeds is to smother them using a thick layer of organic mulch, straw, or even cardboard.

Covering the ground with these materials blocks sunlight, thereby inhibiting weed growth and reducing the need for repeated removal.

For a large area, landscape fabric can also work well; it’s designed to let moisture reach the soil while preventing weeds from growing. 

Black plastic sheeting is another effective covering option for larger areas. It creates a heat trap that raises the soil temperature and kills both weed seeds and young weeds.

Leave the plastic in place for several weeks, especially during warm weather, to effectively eliminate weeds across the large surface area. 

For large areas, we highly suggest checking out the commercial landscaping fabric options that we recommend.

You can usually buy them in bulk since they are specifically manufactured to cover large areas.

Chemical Weed Control Options

In cases where manual and smothering methods aren’t enough, herbicides and weed killers can provide a more aggressive approach. There are different types of herbicides available, so select one that suits your lawn or garden needs. 

For example, a pre-emergent herbicide can prevent weed seeds from sprouting, which is helpful if you’re preparing a new garden bed or large area for planting. Post-emergent weed killers are ideal for killing weeds that have already sprouted. 

However, these chemicals should be used with caution to avoid affecting nearby plants and soil quality.

For a more natural approach, you can use salt or boiling water on small patches of weeds—these methods kill weeds by drying them out without damaging the soil structure.

Be careful with salt, as too much can harm the soil for future planting. 

Heat-Based Weed Control

A weed torch is another excellent tool for dealing with weeds in larger areas. The high heat from a torch damages the weed roots and stems, causing them to die within days.

This method is particularly effective for controlling young weeds, which are more susceptible to heat.

However, use caution when using a weed torch near desirable plants or during dry conditions to prevent accidental fires. 

Preventing Future Weed Growth

The best way to keep weeds under control in large areas is to focus on prevention.

After removing existing weeds, lay down a thick layer of organic mulch or compost to improve soil health and suppress future weeds.

Mulch helps retain moisture, prevents weed seeds from reaching the soil, and eventually breaks down into organic matter, benefitting your lawn and garden. 

Planting ground covers can also reduce weed growth in larger areas. Certain plants act as natural barriers to weeds by covering the ground and blocking light. This not only prevents weed regrowth but also improves soil fertility. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to maximize the success of your weed removal efforts:

• Ignoring the entire root system: Failing to pull the entire root system allows weeds to regrow, especially deep-rooted weeds.
• Overusing herbicides: Excessive use of herbicides can kill grass and harm soil health. Always follow label instructions and use a spray bottle to apply herbicides precisely.
• Not mowing regularly: Regular mowing prevents weeds from spreading seeds and makes the task easier by reducing weed height.
• Failing to mulch after weed removal: Applying mulch after removing weeds helps keep the soil shaded and minimizes weed seeds’ ability to sprout. 

Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Weed Control

For those who prefer natural solutions, there are multiple eco-friendly options:

• Boiling water: Boiling water acts as a weed killer by destroying the weeds’ cell structure and roots. 
• Vinegar spray: Vinegar can be applied using a spray bottle to kill weeds without harming the soil. However, it may need repeated applications and can harm different plants. 
• Cardboard mulching: Cardboard breaks down over time and improves soil quality while preventing weeds from sprouting. This is ideal for covering large areas, especially in a vegetable garden where soil quality is crucial. 

Why Partner with SunCo?

Sustaining a healthy yard is an ongoing process that requires consistent care. Regularly check for signs of new weed growth, especially after heavy rains.

Incorporate lawn care practices like aerating the soil, adding compost, and planting cover crops in bare areas to discourage weeds from taking hold.

Healthy, dense plantings crowd out weeds naturally, giving your lawn and garden a lush, well-maintained appearance. 

Removing weeds from a large area can indeed be a daunting task, but by partnering with a professional lawn care provider, you can benefit from expert guidance and sustainable practices tailored to your lawn’s needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about our assortment of lawn care services! Call us at (402) 972-8603 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.