Weeds can be whimsical and beautiful spots of color in the wild, or resource-sucking and energy-draining pests in your backyard. There are so many different kinds of intrusive plants out there that it’s incredibly difficult to apply a one-rule-fits-all sort of policy. What you should do with unwanted shrubs depends on a lot of different things–and you might not even want to get rid of it!
Keep reading to learn all about weeds: weed basics, varieties, treatments, and more!
Weed Basics
Let’s start with some basic facts and guides about weeks. For example, it’s important to know How to Identify and Get Rid of Lawn Weeds. That pretty flower you’re paying attention to might just be an invasive species!
Of course, it’s best if you just learn How to Keep Weeds Out of Gardens to begin with. We always say that the best treatment is prevention!
And just when you’re thinking unwanted shrubs are a pretty straightforward gardening subject, we’re here to tell you that it gets a bit complicated. First of all, there are some Benefits of Keeping Certain Weeds in Your Garden. And importantly, there is an unfortunate Environmental Impact of Chemical Weed Killers that you should be aware of.
Weeding Products
Weeds can be pesky little buggers and are best treated with the highest quality products around. Take a look at our suggestions on the Best Weed Killers. And if you’re the organic kind of gardener, we even have advice on the Best Organic Weed Killers.
If you’re really into using natural products, you can even learn How to Make Homemade Weed Killer (it’s probably cheaper that way too) and How to Kill Weeds With Vinegar.
For more weeding products, check out are gardening supplies weeding section dedicated to just that!
Weed Varieties
Just like flower types, there are hundreds of weed varieties out there! Before you start to (understandably) feel overwhelmed, take a look at some of our posts, which break them down into smaller categories:
Identifying and Treating Weed Types
Common Weeds
Edible Weeds in Your Backyard
Now if you’re feeling more confident, dive into our profile posts to learn about all the different weed species out there. Or, if you already know which one you need to learn more about, find it in our long list!
Annual Sow Thistle
Bindweed
Bittersweet Vine
Black Bindweed
Black Medic
Black Nightshade
Broadleaf Plantain
Burdock
Canada Thistle
Chickweed
Common Groundsel
Common Mallow
Crabgrass
Creeping Charlie
Curly Dock
Dandelion
Dayflowers
Dock Plant
Fleabane
Giant Ragweed
Ground Ivy
Henbit
Horsetail Weed
Japanese Knotweed
Kudzu
Lambsquarters
Musk Thistle
Nutsedge
Orange Jewelweed
Ortiga
Oxalis
Pigweed
Poison Ivy
Poison Sumac
Pokeweed
Puncturevine
Weeds FAQs
What are weeds?
Weeds are plants that grow in places where they are not wanted, such as lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. They can be native or non-native species, and can be annuals, biennials, or perennials.
Why are weeds a problem?
unwanted shrubs can be a problem for a variety of reasons. They can compete with desirable plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can reduce crop yields and the overall health of the ecosystem. Intrusive plants can also be unsightly and difficult to control, and some species can be toxic to humans and animals.
How do I identify weeds?
Weeds can be identified by their physical characteristics, such as leaf shape, stem color, and flower type. There are also many online resources and field guides available to help you identify common weed species in your area.
How do I control weeds?
There are several methods for controlling intrusive plants, including mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods. Mechanical methods include pulling unwanted shrubs by hand or using tools such as hoes and cultivators. Chemical methods include using herbicides to kill weeds, but it is important to use these products carefully and according to the label instructions to avoid harming desirable plants and the environment. Cultural methods include practices such as crop rotation, mulching, and proper irrigation, which can help prevent weed growth and promote the growth of desirable plants.
Are there any natural ways to control weeds?
Yes, there are several natural methods for controlling weeds, including using mulch, vinegar, and boiling water. Mulch can help prevent weed growth by smothering the plants and preventing sunlight from reaching the soil. Vinegar can be applied directly to the leaves of unwanted shrubs to kill them, but it is important to use caution as it can also harm desirable plants. Boiling water can be poured over intrusive plants to kill them, but this method can also harm nearby plants and should be used with care.
How do I prevent weeds from growing?
Preventing weeds from growing can be done by using cultural methods such as crop rotation, mulching, and proper irrigation. It is also important to remove unwanted shrubs before they have a chance to go to seed, as this can prevent them from spreading and becoming a larger problem.
Are all weeds bad?
Not all unwanted shrubs are bad. Some species can actually be beneficial to the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for wildlife, and by helping to prevent soil erosion. However, it is important to manage them.
Treat Your Weeds!
We hope this post has given you the tools to face the inevitable weeds that will pop up in your garden with confidence, and most importantly, a plan! Check back often, because we’re always updating our content!
In the meantime, learn about these other backyard inhabitants: