What to Know Before Using Weed Killer

Dealing with pesky weeds is inevitable for all gardeners. If you want to get rid of those frustrating weeds that have intruded on your garden and plants, you’ll need to use the proper method and approach the situation with the right mindset. 

You can’t just grab any weed killer and hope for the best if you want effective results. Although we have plenty of products at Park Road Timber and Hardware to help get your weed problem under control, it is important to understand what kind of weeds you are fighting.

If you want to know how to get rid of weeds, the first step is to understand the different types, and your options for removing them. If you want to research the different types of weeds affecting your garden, Agriculture Victoria has an extensive list to help you get started.

As with most things, prevention is better than finding a cure, so if you haven’t got a weed problem yet, it’s worth considering what you can do to discourage the need for later weed control. You can do this by carefully selecting the right plants for microclimates, providing the right amount of moisture and using mulch. 

When you have healthy plants and thriving grass, it can help prevent weeds from taking root in your soil. It is also worth surveying your garden weekly and pulling out any small weeds before they have the chance to establish themselves.

What are the different types of weed killers?

When using weed killer, you should consider which type is best for the situation at hand. It is also essential to remember that you should never get weed spray of any kind on plants that could be eaten by people or pets. 

Generally speaking, there are three main types of weed killer – pre-emergent, selective, and non-selective. 

Pre-emergent is a good weed killer for lawns, provided your lawn has finished establishing. By using pre-emergent weed killer, you are targeting the weeds before they even germinate, creating a barrier at the soil level. This type of weed killer lasts about three months, so make sure you stay on top of reapplying it.

Selective weed killer targets a specific kind of weed based on the ingredients used, which is why it is so important to research the kind of weeds you are fighting. This type of weed killer will generally keep your lawn and other plants safe, but you should read up on the specific poison you are using to be certain.

Non-selective weed killer destroys almost all plant life it touches, so it is essential to be careful with it. As a stronger option, a non-selective weed killer is an excellent solution for more stubborn weeds, so long as you apply it carefully to avoid harming the other plant life in your garden.

How will weed killer impact my garden?

When you use weed killer cautiously and carefully, there shouldn’t be any negative impacts on your garden. As long as you make sure you are using the right one for the job, read the information thoroughly and are mindful of the rest of your garden, you should be able to remove those unsightly weeds without any trouble. 

Of course, if you’re unsure how to approach your weed problem, the team at Park Road Timber and Hardware is here to help. We have everything you need to get your garden in good shape, from weed killers to slug pellets, as well as good information. Come visit us at our Cheltenham store, give the team a call on 03 9909 5397 or complete our contact form online to get started.