Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Bellevue, IL

Glyphosate and other non-selective herbicides can kill orchard grass, but they will also kill the surrounding plants. Also, not all areas allow the use of glyphosate due to its environmental impact—which the EPA describes as a "potential risk to terrestrial and aquatic plants and birds, and low toxicity to honeybees." Consider mechanical removal to target the plants specifically.

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.

Yes, vinegar can be an effective way to kill individual dandelion plants to help in the hand-removal process. However, vinegar can also kill turfgrass, so use a targeted spray.

The best way to keep voles from tunneling in your yard is to keep grass trimmed and bushes cut back from the ground at least 5 inches. Cleaning up yard debris, wood chip piles, and brush piles can also help keep voles at bay. If you notice vole activity, you can also remove bird feeders since these are a ready source of food for the tunneling rodents.