Maintenance

Hi, I'm Fred, the Maintenance Manager at our Peoria, IL, area branch. I'm here to talk to you about a topic that is often overlooked in landscaping but is crucial for the health and aesthetics of your property: weed control.

Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in your lawn, garden, or landscape beds. They can be aggressive and quickly take over your property, causing damage to your desirable plants and making your landscape look untidy. Weeds can also harbor pests and diseases that can harm your plants, leading to expensive replacements or treatments.

That's why it's important to have an effective weed control strategy in place. At our branch, we take a proactive approach to weed control, and we recommend that our clients do the same. This means being vigilant and taking steps to prevent weeds from taking hold in the first place.

One of the most effective ways to prevent weeds is by using pre-emergent.  Pre-emergent is the practice of applying herbicides before the weeds have a chance to germinate and grow. This method of weed control is particularly effective for annual weeds, which typically sprout from seeds that lie dormant in the soil until favorable conditions for germination occur. By applying pre-emergent herbicides, growers can create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from sprouting, thus reducing the overall weed population. Pre-emergent weed control is a proactive approach to weed management that can save time and money in the long run, as it reduces the need for labor-intensive and costly post-emergent weed control methods. It is important to note, however, that pre-emergent herbicides can also impact non-target species.  Another very effective way to prevent weeds is by maintaining healthy soil. Weeds thrive in soil that is compacted, poorly drained, or lacking in nutrients. By regularly aerating your soil, adding organic matter, and fertilizing your plants, you can create a healthy environment that is less hospitable to weeds.

In addition to soil maintenance, we also recommend mulching your landscape beds. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Weeds have a harder time growing through mulch, which can significantly reduce their spread.

Despite our efforts to prevent weeds, we still need to be prepared to deal with them when they do show up. At our branch, we use a combination of hand pulling and herbicides to control weeds in our clients' landscapes. Hand pulling is effective for small infestations, but for larger areas, herbicides are often necessary.

Unfortunately, we haven't found an effective organic lawn weed control method. While there are some organic products on the market, they are often not as effective as traditional herbicides, and they may need to be applied more frequently. This can be more time-consuming and expensive in the long run.

We do believe in using organic practices whenever possible. For example, we use organic fertilizers and compost in our landscapes, which helps to improve soil health and create a natural balance that is less conducive to weed growth. We also practice integrated pest management, which involves using natural predators and other non-chemical methods to control pests.

Weed control is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and attractive landscape. By being proactive and taking steps to prevent weeds from taking hold, you can reduce the need for costly and time-consuming treatments down the road. And if weeds do show up, it's important to deal with them promptly and effectively to prevent them from spreading and causing damage to your plants.

At our Peoria, IL, Springfield, IL, Champaign, IL, and Bloomington, IL, branches, we're committed to providing our clients with the best possible weed control solutions. Whether it's through regular maintenance, soil improvement, or targeted treatments, we're here to help you keep your landscape looking its best. If you have any questions or concerns about weed control, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always happy to help!