Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Squaw Valley, CA

No, it's not really possible to completely prevent weed growth. Weeds are incredibly resilient—all they usually need is a tiny bit of dirt to sprout, so their eventual appearance is pretty much inevitable. However, you can definitely keep them at bay by getting rid of weeds as soon as you notice them. The longer you let them sit and grow roots, the more they'll spread.

The fastest ways to kill weeds and unwanted grass include burning them, pouring boiling water on them, or pulling them out by hand, as these methods work almost instantaneously. For a quick-acting solution that works within a few hours, you can use a commercial-grade herbicide like glyphosate or a DIY vinegar, salt, and dish soap mixture. While effective, be aware that commercial herbicides introduce chemicals into your lawn. The slowest method for killing weeds is to starve them of sunlight and nutrients using mulch or fabric covers.

Yes, weeds will grow through pea gravel but you can prevent this during the installation process. Install a weed barrier underneath pea gravel and swap it out every three years to keep weeds at bay.

Several tools exist that can help remove unwanted grass. The one you choose depends greatly on how much you need to remove and how hard you'd like to work. A sod or turf cutter is the fastest method while using a shovel is labor-intensive and much slower. You may also need a garden rake, tiller, and wheelbarrow.