From the EGT’s Sustainable Landscaping Series, “The Ecological Benefits of the Not So Perfect Yard”

Bad Habit #7 Weeding

This is not intuitive but, “DON’T pull weeds AND… Don’t dig them out.“ So, why not and how should you handle weeds? 

Why not? Pulling disturbs the soil, uproots buried weed seeds, and encourages them to flourish.  It also disturbs the roots of plants that are nearby (how many of you have pulled out a weed and brought a desired plant with it?) and breaks down the desirably crumbly texture of the soil.  Mulch may help with weed suppression but doesn’t work as a stand-alone answer.

Kick the Habit Chop weeds off at the soil surface without disturbing the soil.  For tiny sprouts you may lightly use your hoe to chop them back.  (Remember, don’t compost weed seed heads.)