Best Tricks to Keep Backyard Weeds Away This Summer

Weeds are a common problem that can quickly take over your backyard, especially during the summer. They not only make your outdoor space look messy but also compete with your plants and grass for nutrients. Fortunately, there are effective tools and techniques, including weed control mats and burners for weeds, to help you maintain a beautiful, weed-free yard. Here are the best tips for keeping backyard weeds away this summer.

1. Mow Your Lawn Regularly (But Don’t Cut Too Short)

Mowing your lawn regularly helps control weeds by keeping the grass healthy and thick. Grass that is kept at about 2.5 to 3 inches tall shades the soil, which makes it difficult for weed seeds to germinate. If you mow too short, you’ll weaken the grass, creating gaps for weeds to take root. Consistent mowing also prevents weeds from spreading their seeds across your yard.

2. Use a Burner for Weeds in Hard-to-Reach Areas

If you have weeds growing between cracks in your patio, driveway, or along pathways, a burner for weeds is an excellent solution. This propane-powered tool applies high heat directly to the weeds, killing them at the root. It’s a safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides and is perfect for targeting tough spots where pulling weeds isn’t practical.

To use a weed burner effectively:

• Move the flame over the weed for a few seconds to wilt the plant.
• Be cautious around flammable materials and plants you want to keep.
• Use the burner on a dry day to ensure the weeds are fully scorched.

3. Lay Down a Weed Control Mat for Long-Term Protection

Installing a weed control mat (also known as a weed barrier or weed control matting) is one of the best ways to prevent weeds from sprouting. This heavy-duty fabric blocks sunlight from reaching the soil, stopping weeds before they can grow. Weed mats are especially effective in flower beds, around trees, or under gravel pathways. To install:

• Remove any existing weeds from the area.
• Lay the weed control mat flat over the soil, cutting holes for any plants.
• Cover the mat with mulch, bark, or gravel for added protection and a cleaner look.

Weed mats are perfect for long-term weed prevention and significantly reduce the need for regular weeding.

4. Mulch to Keep Weeds at Bay

Mulching is a great way to enhance your backyard’s appearance while also controlling weeds. A thick layer of organic mulch (like wood chips, bark, or straw) prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds, stopping them from growing. Mulch also helps retain moisture and keeps your soil cool during the hot summer months. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around garden beds, flower beds, and trees to keep weeds from taking over.

5. Hand Weed Early and Often

The best way to control weeds is to get rid of them before they spread. Hand weeding is effective when done regularly, especially after a rainfall or watering session when the soil is soft. Pulling weeds when they are young helps ensure that you remove the roots, preventing regrowth. Keeping a garden fork or hand weeder nearby can make quick weeding sessions easier and prevent a larger weed problem later on.

6. Use Boiling Water for Driveways and Patios

For weeds growing in the cracks of your patio, driveway, or walkways, boiling water is an easy, chemical-free solution. Simply pour boiling water directly onto the weeds to kill them on contact. This method is particularly effective for small patches of weeds in hard-to-reach places, but be careful to avoid splashing nearby plants or grass, as the hot water can damage them too.

7. Install Edging to Keep Weeds Out of Lawn Borders

Weeds often creep into your lawn from the edges, where grass meets flower beds, fences, or walkways. Installing physical edging made of stone, brick, or steel creates a clear boundary and helps prevent weeds from spreading. Lawn edging also keeps your yard looking neat and makes mowing easier by clearly defining the lawn’s borders.

8. Apply Corn Gluten Meal to Prevent Weed Growth

Corn gluten meal is a natural, organic herbicide that works by preventing weed seeds from germinating. It’s an excellent pre-emergent option for lawns and garden beds. For best results, apply corn gluten meal early in the spring before weed seeds start to sprout. Lightly water the area to activate it. Corn gluten meal is safe for your lawn and plants and provides an eco-friendly alternative to chemical weed killers.

9. DIY Vinegar and Salt Solution for Spot Weeding

For areas where you need to target specific weed patches, a DIY mixture of white vinegar, salt, and dish soap can be an effective natural herbicide. Spray the solution directly on weeds growing in patios, sidewalks, or driveways, but avoid spraying it near plants or grass you want to keep, as it can kill any vegetation it touches. This method works best in non-lawn areas where weeds tend to grow uncontrollably.

10. Fertilize and Aerate for a Healthy Lawn

A thick, healthy lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds. Proper lawn care, including regular fertilizing and aerating, ensures that your grass grows strong enough to crowd out weeds. Aerating your lawn once a year helps break up compacted soil, allowing water, nutrients, and air to reach grassroots. Follow this up with a high-quality fertilizer to strengthen your lawn and make it more resistant to weed invasions.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your backyard free from weeds this summer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using weed control mats, burners for weeds, and regular maintenance techniques like hand weeding and mulching, you can prevent weeds from taking over. Combine these strategies with good lawn care and eco-friendly solutions like vinegar or corn gluten meal, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, weed-free backyard all summer long.