Weeds are truly a nuisance in any lawn or garden. They ruin garden and lawn landscaping, making it look cluttered and uncared for. To ward weeds off your garden or lawn, you have to be persistent, among other things. Once you have started on weeding your garden or lawn, you have to continue with it, or else the weeds will grow back stronger than ever.

A little background on weeds will help you in your fight to eliminate them. The first thing you have to know is that there are two main classifications of weeds: annual and perennial. Both of these classifications cause the same trouble in your garden or lawn.

Annual weeds grow fast—they complete their life cycle in a year. These weeds can grow from seeds and flowers several times during a season. The best time to get rid of annual weeds is as early as possible, or when the weeds are still seedlings.

Like annual weeds, perennial weeds are also a nuisance in your garden or lawn. Perennial weeds have extensive root systems that can cover up to several square feet of land. These weeds grow continuously, sending up seedlings and shoots tirelessly.

It seems like a daunting task to eliminate weeds from your garden and lawn, but that is not to say it is a hopeless one. There are many ways to get rid of these nasty weeds, each of which range from easy to complicated. The best way to fight weeds is to be familiar with them. Keep in mind that weeds also fight to live and survive, the same way your other plants do. Weeds do not know that you don’t want them in your garden or lawn, so it is wise to prevent them from multiplying.

Do not despair and give up when you see weeds growing in your lawn or garden. You can seek help from professional weeders, or you can weed your own garden by trying out these suggested methods.

Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn

Regularly mowing your lawn or garden prevents weeds from growing. Mowing your lawn or garden grass in higher mowing ranges will crowd out unwanted weeds. By crowding out weeds, sunlight will not be able to reach them, which will then stunt their growth. After mowing, also make it a habit to sweep and clean up your clippings to prevent the seeds of some types of weeds from spreading throughout the area.

Yes, You Can Pull Them Out!

Many people consider weeding a dreadful and tiresome task, especially when it involves pulling weeds out from their garden or lawn. Contrary to what other people say, pulling out weeds is actually very effective and the quickest way to get rid of nasty weeds. There is, however, one catch: you need to pull the weeds thoroughly, or else they will just grow back. You have to pull the weeds down to their roots, which can be up to six inches deep into the soil. You can pull out the weeds using your hands, or you can use a trowel to help you pull out their roots.

Dig In, Dig Out!

Depending on the extent of the weeded area, as well as the thickness of the weeds, you can dig out the roots to prevent the weeds from growing further. You can use various weeding tools, such as a small shovel or a potting trowel. When digging out weeds, much like pulling out weeds, make sure that you have dug in as deep as possible. The root system needs to be completely removed or else they will just grow back.

It will help if you loosen up the soil first. You can do this by pouring hot water over it and letting it soak in. Also, when you pour hot water, you not only loosen up the soil, but you also kill the weeds instantly.

Let Some Air In!

Aerating the soil in your lawn or garden is important since it helps prevent weed growth. Gardens and lawns that get stepped on regularly, that have never been aerated, or that have clay-like soil, need to be aerated to prevent weed growth. If you see patches of weeds growing in your lawn or garden, it may be that the area has highly compacted soil. Have it aerated to loosen it up, and in the process, make the soil healthy and weed-free.

Herbicides Help!

If you have tried out every possible way of killing weeds without using any chemicals and yet the weeds grow as rapidly as before, then it is time you use herbicides. Herbicides, which are often available in concentrated liquid form, are sprayed on the area of your garden or lawn that has weeds.

Because they are highly effective and relatively easy to use, herbicides are fast becoming popular around the world. Advances in chemical engineering have even brought upon new herbicides with new formulas. Some examples are herbicides that can kill certain varieties of weeds without harming grass and other garden plants.

Of course, there are downsides to using herbicides. The main thing you have to keep in mind is that herbicides are toxic. They can be harmful to health, even fatal, if not used, handled, or stored properly. As such, it is only wise that you read the instructions on the proper use of herbicides before you grab a bottle from the gardening store.

Weeds can be nasty—they are highly persistent and they spread rapidly. If you want to keep your lawn or garden weed-free, you have to invest time, effort and patience to take care of it. Also, keep in mind that you need to concentrate on weeding areas in your garden or lawn little by little.

Do not try to rush the work, or you will just make matters worse by leaving the weeds' roots intact, or their seeds scattered. Remember, weeds enjoy staying in unkempt and uncared for areas, so show them that they are not welcome by taking good care of your garden or lawn. As the general rule in garden and lawn keeping says, prevention is always better than cure.