Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Blue Jay, CA

The best time to hire a weed service company is in the early spring. This allows them to apply a pre-emergent weed killer that stops weeds from taking root, making maintenance for the rest of the season much easier. Following the initial spring application, a monthly service through the summer and early fall is a good idea for ongoing weed control. These regular treatments, combined with manual removal or spot treatment, should be sufficient to maintain a weed-free yard. Alternatively, you can hire a professional in the fall for the following year, as some companies may offer better rates on contracts signed before the busy spring season.

Pulling weeds once per month is typically often enough to keep most weeds at bay. But in general, it's best to pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent deep root growth and slow their spread. To make it easier, plan your weed pulling after rain or after the sprinklers run so the soil will be nice and wet and the weeds will be easier to pull. If you notice moss accompanying weeds, make a plan to remove the moss immediately to prevent damage.

Purchase a selective herbicide that targets clover and similar weeds but doesn't take out your grass. You can also keep it from growing with corn meal gluten or remove clover from your lawn manually at the start of the season as part of your lawn maintenance checklist.

You should add 1 to 4 inches of mulch, depending on your garden type and needs. Keep in mind that no amount of mulch can completely prevent weeds, but a heavier coverage (closer to 4 inches) can suppress weeds enough that you are only seeing them sprout every few weeks. Finer mulch prevents weeds more effectively than large mulch, so if you’re using mulched leaves or shredded bark, 1 to 2 inches will likely suffice, while 3 to 4 inches is best for larger mulch, like bark chips or straw.