Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Valley Stream, NY

Each type of weed comes with its own control methods, but stopping the seed spread is the first step. Grazing, mowing, and hand pulling can slow the invasion. In some cases, selective herbicide is necessary to stop a persistent weed from overtaking an area.

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.

It’s best to pull weeds when the soil is wet, as it’s much easier. Wet soil is much softer than dry soil, making it easier to pull the entire weed up by the root. Also, since the soil is wet, the roots will let go of the soil and slide up with less resistance. Be careful when working on your wet garden, though, as wet soil is easier to compact, which can harm your plants.

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.