Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Jackson, NC

Landscaping fabric can only help to prevent weed growth in the short term. It's not an ideal long-term solution because dirt will eventually make its way on top of it, causing weeds to sprout. These fabrics can also leave microplastics in the environment for many, many years, so pulling weeds using one of the methods in this guide as soon as you see them is a better long-term prevention strategy.

The best time to fight crabgrass with pre-emergent herbicide is when forsythias tend to bloom. In the mid-Atlantic region, this is usually between April and May. Even if you're late to apply the herbicide, it’s effective as long as the crabgrass plant has fewer than five leaves.

There are a few things you should ask a weed service company before hiring to ensure you’re choosing the best professional for the job:

• How often will you apply herbicides?

• Do you include any spot treatments or manual weed removal in your pricing?

• Do you offer pet-safe and kid-safe herbicides?

• What other lawn services can you provide?

• Do you offer any kind of guarantee for the work performed?

• Are you properly licensed and fully insured?

• Do you have any customer references I could speak with?

There are organic herbicide options that will kill grass but not flowers, including white vinegar or a dish soap solution. Commercial selective herbicides can also target grass over other plants, but read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your garden. Herbicides that kill grass but not flowers usually include ingredients like clethodim and sethoxydim. Otherwise, your best bet will be to weed by hand.