Tech Decks
Using Solutions Without Chemicals for Weed Control for Your Lawn and Garden
Keeping your lawn and garden free of weeds, and doing it without the benefit of chemicals, might bring to mind nothing but the thought of aching muscles, a sore back and legs, and knees worn out from kneeling in the garden. But, getting your hands dirty is not the only way to get control of weeds without resorting to chemical treatments. The idea is not to make you work harder to keep your garden landscaping weed-free, but to learn how to work smarter.
The first big change needed to begin controlling the weeds in your lawns and gardens without chemicals is to properly prepare the soil for the areas in question. This would be considered laying the proper foundation where you will be growing your plants. It is best to implement the following ideas before doing your plantings so that you get your chemical-free weed control project off to a great start.
One of the best ways to avoid having weeds sprout up in your gardens or patio lawn is to kill the weeds though a process called soil solarization. This is a preventative approach and a completely organic way of eliminating weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. However, soil solarization does require a good bit of work, and is only effective if you can start planting the area with a clean slate.
Another effective approach to eliminating weeds from your lawn and garden areas is installing landscape fabrics. These specially manufactured fabrics will go a long way in helping you get rid of weeds without the need to spray toxic chemicals all over the landscape.
Utilizing garden mulch is another very beneficial approach to protecting your lawns and gardens from an invasion of weeds. While landscape fabrics work from below the prepared planting area, mulch is applied to the top of the soil, around your plants and can effectively smother a weed trying to break through to the surface. Mulch can also be used in conjunction with the anti-weed landscape fabrics for a one-two punch strategy of organic weed control.
Another added benefit of using mulch is that it also has the ability to provide insulation to your plantings. This insulation value is particularly helpful in the summertime and can help to keep the underlying soil both cool and moist. This will reduce the watering requirements and will also protect the root systems from damage caused by sever heat.
While some people have chalked it up to an old wives tale, vinegar can also help you control weeds without chemicals. It is the acetic acid in the vinegar that delivers an herbicidal dose to weeds. But, you will need a stronger variety than what you probably have in the cupboard and you can look for super-strength vinegar in weed and feed stores.
Keep in mind that vinegar is a “non-selective” natural herbicide, so if you choose to use it to control the lawn and garden weeds around your home, then you must take care to apply it only to the weeds. For this reason it is not a good solution for use on lawns, other than in areas where the weeds can easily be identified and sprayed individually. However, it makes a fine organic solution to keeping weeds in check without the problems associated with chemicals.
No realestate is finished without some type of grass, as well as some forms of shruberry to help enhance the overall quality of the building. The enhanced curb appeal as well as the added value can make the final difference when selling a home or adding to the over all value of the house. Any small amounts help and you don’t have to always use a professional to complete the landscaping for you. It never hurts to have some professional advice or a little bit of knowledge before you start ripping up your front yard, though. Some trees, some pleasant green grass, and you will get it down pat before you know it Who knows? Maybe you will consider it as a line of work that you may be interested in following. The following are some of the frequently asked question people have for landscaping so that you can have an idea of how landscaping is done and how it can be easier than you might think.
What exactly makes up landscaping?
Any type of alteration of the land is known as Landscaping. It can be done through a variety of methods. It might be through the utilization of plant life. It could be through the utilization of fauna. There are different methods of landscaping and the forms of landscaping applied often rely on what kind of climate the area is situated. Landscaping also refers to natural structures and manmade structures such as terraces, decks, platforms and seating areas. Ponds and waterfalls can be natural or manmade depending on the terrain. So that you can save money many individuals elect to take advantage of as many of the natural characteristics of the area as possible.~Can I do my own landscaping?
Yes, you can do your own landscaping if you have a small amount of information on how to do it and if set aside the time to do so. You will be getting your hands dirty. Plus you will need to have knowledge of what plants are the best for your terrain. If you are creating structures that are man-made such as decks or ponds, you will have to have some carpentry and plumbing skills. You will also have to know the way to upkeep the pond because one of the last things you need after putting in all that work is to develop a body of water populated with algae as well as moquito larvae.~When should I hire a landscaper?
You should employ a landscaper if you don’t have a “green thumb” and you are not going to have the time to commit to getting rid of the prior planting as well as landscaping the new. There are certain steps that must be put into place to prevent the erosion of soil so it will need at least a weekend of hard work. Landscaper’s are not cheap but you can find one at a sensible price depending on how large the area is and how much labor you intend to complete yourself. If you are going to maintain the area, you will spend less money as well.}
What qualifications should I look for in a good landscaper?
A good landscaper will have a photography album of all the various landscape that he or she has completed. They will have a background with an education in landscape architecture or have a great deal of actual experience in landscaping. If you want to see an actual landscape that they have designed and planted, the landscaper shouldn’t balk at showing you or furnishing for you with the contact details of the owner of the property. It is in their best interest to have content and satisfied clients.
How do I decide which type to plant?
The kind of plant you select will be dependent on your climate and the amount of water you want to use. It will also depend on the amount of sun your yard gets during the day. Some plants flourush in the shade when others will wilt. For those individuals who reside in drought prone areas, they should consider planting hardy plants that need little water and really help conserve the soil from process of erosion. Many individuals choose to have rock gardens and cactus if they live in desert climates.
When is the ideal planting season?
The ideal planting season depends on what type of plant you want to grow. The best time to plany bulbs is in the fall so that they have time to root. Other plants are best suited to planting during the spring months. There are some plants will not produce flowers or fruits for one or two seasons later so you have to prepare for this. Trees will need to go through several years before they become substantial enough to furnish the right amount of shade or create fruit.
How much will it cost to landscape my home?
Without knowing how large your yard is, what condition the ground is and what type of plants you want to place in your yard it is impossible to estimate how much it will cost. You can take a general guess that it will be at at a minimum of around five hundred dollars and can easily run upwards of several thousand dollars for plants that are exotic and intricate features. You can get an estimate for the overall price from the landscaper.
To find out additional information head on over to Landscape Lighting and more information at Landscape Fountains also click here How To Choose The Right Landscaping Trees
Tech Deck Tips: Episode One