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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.

There are tools known as “sprinkler donuts” that are specially designed to aid in cutting the grass around your sprinkler heads by protecting them from your mower or weed whacker. You can also use a pair of hand shears to do the job manually if you’re willing to get a little dirty.

Very carefully. You should be cautious when using any of the above methods, as any one of them could lead to you accidentally killing desired grasses and plants. However, there are selective herbicides that can target certain plants over others. Look for a product that only affects the type of weeds you want to eliminate and spares the plants you want to keep.

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.