Weed Control Techniques: How to Choose and Use Professional-Grade Solutions

For any gardener, whether you tend a small hobby garden, a commercial growing operation, or even an outdoor public space, effective weed control is essential for keeping green spaces clean, organised, and looking their best.

Not only do weeds detract from the visual appeal of gardens, they also compete with other plants for light, nutrients and water. If left unchecked, weeds can even take over an entire garden in a surprisingly short amount of time.

For any gardener dealing with a weed infestation, professional-grade weed control solutions often offer a more effective approach than home remedies. However, choosing the right product, especially if you have additional concerns such as pets or children, usually requires careful consideration.

In this article, we will be listing some of our favourite techniques for helping you manage your weeds safely, no matter what type of garden you have.

Why Weed Control Matters

Weeds are more than just unsightly plants: they erode soil structure, attract pests and steal nutrients from other areas of your garden. In addition, fast-growing invasive species like knotweed and bindweed can cause significant property damage and are almost impossible to eradicate once established.

Proper weed control allows you to:

• Preserve and maintain nutrients for your garden
• Improve the size and health of your plants
• Keep your garden looking safe, tidy and organised

Hand-weeding and mulching are great tools for maintaining a small garden in your home and may be sufficient for your needs; however, if you have a larger garden, a commercial grow, or are suffering from a particularly severe weed infestation, you may need to consider professional weed control solutions.

What Are Professional-Grade Weed Control Solutions?

Professional-grade weed control products are typically stronger, longer-lasting and more targeted weedkillers than are used by the average consumer. They are often used by allotments, large industrial growers, and groundskeepers for areas that require significant weed control and maintenance.

These weed control products fall into two categories:

Systemic Herbicides: These are weed control chemicals that are absorbed by the roots of a weed, killing the entire plant, such as Roundup Ready to Use Weed Killer. Because a plant's roots absorb them, these herbicides typically need some water to help with absorption.

Residual Herbicides: These are weed control products that prevent weeds from germinating, and must be applied for several months. As a result, these herbicides are usually used at the end of autumn or the beginning of winter to maximise their effectiveness, such as our professional Kerb Flo Herbicide. They are suitable for lawns or public gardens, but not for soil that will be frequently disturbed, like flower beds.

Making The Best Choice For Your Garden

When you are trying to decide what type of weed control to use, there are three main factors that you should consider:

• Type Of Weeds
• Location Of The Weeds
• Time Until Effectiveness

Types of Weeds

To effectively remove weeds, you must first identify the type of weed you are dealing with. The most effective treatment options may vary depending on the type of plant, whether it is an annual, perennial, grass, weed, or shrub. After identifying your weeds, always check the label on your weed control product to ensure it is an appropriate solution.

Location of the Weeds

Where the weeds are growing is a significant consideration when selecting a weed control method. If you are growing edible plants, for example, you may want to avoid chemical weed control altogether. If you have weeds in your flower beds, you may prefer a systemic weed killer to target a specific plant. Alternatively, if you are trying to maintain a lawn, you may choose to apply a residual herbicide over a period of time.

Time Until Effectiveness

The goals you have for your garden can significantly impact the weed control solution you select. If you have a flower bed that blooms for only two months a year, then you are likely to want an instant-effect solution that takes effect in a few hours or days. If you are looking for a longer, more permanent solution to control annual weeds or treat a large area, such as a lawn or park, a slower-acting residual herbicide may provide greater protection for a longer period.

Pet-Friendly Weed Control Options

Many at-home gardeners are reluctant to start using chemical weed control because they are concerned about the effect that chemical weedkillers may have on their pets.

When it comes to pet-friendly weed control, gardeners have several options.

Hand Weeding: Hand weeding is an excellent solution for removing visible weeds from your garden. However, it is famously difficult to remove all of the roots of a weed consistently. As a result, hand-weeding is an effective way to keep your garden looking great in the short term, but it may require more physical work overall.

Weed Burners: Weed burners are gas or electrical flame guns that can be used to eliminate weeds. They are especially effective in built-up areas prone to weeds, such as driveways or garden paths. However, they use a significant amount of energy, and burning live plants takes a considerable amount of time, which means they are most suitable for use over a limited area.

Weed Netting: Weed netting is a type of netting designed to help eliminate particularly dense areas of weeds. Usually used in areas where plants have been grown previously, such as allotments, weed netting, or any material that can effectively block light, it can be laid down on top of the weeded area for at least 12 months. The lack of light will cause the weeds to die off, leaving the ground suitable for re-planting once again.

There are weed killers that are considered pet-safe once the solution has dried.

However, if you have additional concerns, always check the label of your weed control. Almost all pet-safe weed control products will have their safety information printed on the label.

Find The Perfect Weed Control Solution For Your Garden At LBS Horticulture

Every garden is unique, and every gardener has a distinct approach to gardening.

At LBS Horticulture, we aim to provide you with the information and equipment you need to keep your plants healthy, happy, and strong.

Whether you are looking for a weed control solution, a new growing media or even if you’re considering something bigger, like putting up a polytunnel to maximise your growth potential, we have a great solution to provide everything that your garden needs, as well as providing FREE UK delivery on any order over £195 (+VAT).

Please note: When you purchase a professional-use pesticide, you and/or the end user must ensure that the product is used legally in accordance with the industry's Approved Code of Practice, as set out in the Food & Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA) and the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (COPR).

When placing an order for a professional-use pesticide, you must confirm that you have read, understood, and will comply with these regulations.

Use plant protection products safely & always read the label & product information before use.