How to Control Weeds: Tips for Pulling Weeds Effectively

Weeds aren’t just unattractive; they directly compete with your lawn’s grass and beneficial plants for essential resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight.

In the Midwest, with its fluctuating weather patterns and fertile soil, this competition can significantly impact the health of your lawn.

The best way to get rid of weeds is to pull weeds manually. This method ensures that you completely remove the weed, especially the root system, reducing the chance of regrowth. 

However, pulling weeds must be done carefully to avoid breaking the roots, as even small root fragments can allow weeds to re-root and grow back.

How to Pull Weeds: Tips for Excellent Results

Pulling weeds might seem straightforward, but doing it correctly requires some technique. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pull weeds effectively:

Tip #1: Identify Types of Weeds and When to Pull Them

Not all weeds are created equal, and recognizing the weed type you’re up against is the first step for successfully removing weeds.

For example, some weeds have deep taproots, while others spread via runners. 

Broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and thistle are relatively easy to spot because of their wide leaves and distinct appearance. Grassy weeds, on the other hand, can blend in with your lawn, making them harder to identify. 

Some common types of weeds include:

• Annual weeds: These weeds, like crabgrass, grow and die within one year. They spread quickly through their weed seeds and must be controlled early in the season. Pull weeds when they are young to prevent them from seeding.
• Perennial weeds: Perennial weeds like dandelions and couch grass are more challenging because they have deep root systems. If the whole weed is not removed, they will re-grow.
• Stubborn weeds: Some weeds, like thistle, can be incredibly resilient. Removing weeds of this nature often requires specific weeding tools to dig deep into the soil and extract the entire root system. 

Tip #2: You Shouldn’t Wait to Pull Weeds

One of the best tips when it comes to weeding is: Don’t wait to pull weeds!

Letting weeds grow for too long makes them harder to remove, especially when they develop deep root systems or start seeding.

Once weeds go to seed, they’ll spread even more, causing bigger problems down the road. Weed seeds can settle in your soil and remain dormant until the conditions are right for germination. 

To maintain a weed-free garden or lawn, act as soon as you notice weeds. Many gardeners recommend pulling weeds in early spring (and staying on top of it every other day afterward) when the soil is moist and weed growth is just beginning.

This timing allows you to catch weeds before they go to seed. Removing annual weeds at this point helps prevent weeds from seeding and spreading. 

Addressing the issue promptly also helps keep your desirable plants from suffering due to competition for nutrients and water.

For perennial weeds, the longer they’re left in the soil, the more entrenched their roots become, making them harder to remove. 

Tip #3: When to Pull Weeds

Timing is everything when you hand weed. While you can pull weeds any time, the best time to do it is when the soil is moist, such as after a good rain or irrigation session. Moist soil makes it simpler to remove weeds entirely. 

If the soil is hard and dry, it can be difficult to remove weeds effectively.

If you try to pull weeds from dry, compact soil, you’ll likely break off the tops, leaving the roots behind to grow back. 

Tip #4: Tools to Use for Pulling Weeds

Most gardeners discover that pulling weeds efficiently requires the use of the right tools that can make the job much quicker and easier.

Opt for high-quality tools that feature sturdy, ergonomic handles that are easy to grip.

Look for models that have blades or heads crafted from durable, forged steel, as these will stand up to wear and tear over time. 

One key challenge is removing weeds without putting unnecessary strain on your back. Constantly bending forward while standing can lead to discomfort or even injury.

This is why it’s beneficial to invest in tools designed for use in different positions, like kneeling or standing upright. These tools not only reduce the risk of muscle strain but also allow for better posture during extended weeding sessions.

Additionally, it’s important to choose tools that match the scale of your garden.

For larger areas, long-handled weeding tools might be ideal for covering more ground efficiently, while smaller hand tools can be perfect for delicate or precise work around a garden bed.

Gardeners should also consider the weight and balance of the tools they select, ensuring that they are easy to maneuver for long periods. 

In the end, investing in quality, well-suited equipment not only saves time and energy but can help prevent injuries, making gardening a more enjoyable and sustainable activity. 

Kneeling Tools

These tools are great for those who like to pull weeds while kneeling, allowing for more precision in smaller areas.

Kneeling tools are great for a smaller garden bed or tight spots. These are handheld tools that allow you to get up close and personal with the weeds. Some common kneeling tools include:

• Hand weeders: These are simple tools with a pointed end or forked prong, which help you dig deep to remove the entire root.
• Dandelion diggers: Specifically designed to remove weeds with taproots, such as dandelions, this tool helps you pull the whole root out without leaving parts behind that could re-root.
• Hand fork: This tool is perfect for loosening the compact soil around weeds and gently lifting the root out of the ground.

Standing tools

For larger gardens or lawns, standing tools offer comfort and efficiency. You can weed without straining your back, making the process much easier, especially for longer sessions.

Some examples of standing weeding tools include:

• Long-handled weed pullers: These tools feature a lever and claw mechanism that grabs onto the weed and its roots. With a simple step on the lever, the entire weed is pulled out. These are great for removing stubborn weeds like thistles or dandelions. 
• Hoe (weeding hoe): Ideal for larger areas, a hoe can be used to cut weeds at the soil level. While it may not remove the entire root, it’s perfect for controlling smaller weeds or clearing a garden bed quickly. 

When choosing weeding tools, consider the length of the handle (for standing tools) or the strength and sharpness of the prongs (for kneeling tools). These specs determine how efficiently you can remove weeds without causing strain or leaving parts of the root behind. 

Tip #5: Pull Slowly and Steadily

Pull slowly and steadily to avoid breaking the roots, especially with perennial weeds.

If you yank too quickly, you risk leaving part of the root in the ground, allowing the weed to re-root and grow back. For the roots to come out cleanly, pull the weeds when the soil is moist. 

Gently wiggle the weed from side to side as you pull to loosen the root from the soil. For tougher weeds, a tool like a hand fork can be useful to lift the root without breaking it. 

Tip #6: Remove the Entire Weed, Including the Root

For perennial weeds, leaving any part of the root in the ground means the weed will likely reappear in your lawn or garden.

Dig down deep enough to ensure you get the whole weed, especially with stubborn weeds like dandelions.

Tip #7: Tricky Weeds: Handling Stubborn Perennial Weeds 

Some weeds are more difficult to control than others, especially perennial weeds and those with deep taproots.

For these weeds, digging deep and using specific weeding tools is crucial. Couch grass, for example, spreads quickly and has an extensive root system.

Using a dandelion digger or long-handled tool to dig out these weeds, ensuring you remove the entire root system, is the best way to keep them from returning.  

Tip #8: Dispose of the Weeds Properly

Once you’ve pulled the weeds, be sure to dispose of them properly. Do not leave them on your lawn, as some weeds can continue to grow even after they’ve been pulled.

Additionally, weed seeds can spread if the pulled plants are left to dry out on your lawn. 

Placing weeds you pull in the compost bin can be risky if they’ve already seeded, so consider bagging them and disposing of them with yard waste. 

Precautions to Take While Pulling Weeds

While pulling weeds is relatively straightforward, there are some important precautions to keep in mind to protect both yourself and your other plants:

• Use gloves
• Take precautions to stay safe from the sun to avoid harmful UV rays 
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid pulling too close to desirable young plants
• No-tillage for weed control

How to Prevent Weed Seeds From Growing: Long-Term Strategies

While pulling weeds is effective, preventing weed growth in the first place is even better. Long-term strategies for weed control can help reduce the need for frequent weed pull sessions.

Here are some tips to prevent weeds from growing back in your yard:

• Mulch your garden bed
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides
• Use proper lawn maintenance techniques
• Keep the soil healthy
• Spot treatment for stubborn weeds

Achieve a Weed-Free Garden and Lawn With SunCo

For a large lawn or a garden, or for those who don’t have the time to keep up with weeding, consider hiring a professional gardener to manage your lawn’s weed control and overall health. 

Ready to take control of your yard and eliminate weeds? 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.