Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Mosinee, WI

No, it's not really possible to completely prevent weed growth. Weeds are incredibly resilient—all they usually need is a tiny bit of dirt to sprout, so their eventual appearance is pretty much inevitable. However, you can definitely keep them at bay by getting rid of weeds as soon as you notice them. The longer you let them sit and grow roots, the more they'll spread.

Pulling weeds once per month is typically often enough to keep most weeds at bay. But in general, it's best to pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent deep root growth and slow their spread. To make it easier, plan your weed pulling after rain or after the sprinklers run so the soil will be nice and wet and the weeds will be easier to pull. If you notice moss accompanying weeds, make a plan to remove the moss immediately to prevent damage.

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.

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.