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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.

All herbicides come with risks, but you can control and mitigate risks by discussing your options with your weed service company before application. Some companies use milder or sustainable herbicides more times per season to control weeds rather than one to two herbicide sprayings annually. You can also ask your professional about pet-friendly and kid-friendly services. In most cases, though, you can wait a few days after the application for the herbicides to soak into the ground, at that point they shouldn’t pose a risk to you or your family.

Vinegar is known to be a contact herbicide, which means it kills the foliage it comes in contact with. Because of the high acetic acid concentration, horticultural vinegar kills weeds and grass more effectively. However, keep in mind that high amounts and multiple applications can affect the soil by lowering the pH levels.

Vinegar cannot tell the difference between weeds and desired grass types; it kills everything it touches. Only use a vinegar or vinegar-based solution if you are relatively confident that you can navigate around the plants and grasses you want to keep. Also, don’t spray vinegar on a windy day, or it will blow onto other plants.