Common Garden Weeds And How To Handle Them 

Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s life, particularly invasive species that are difficult to get rid of. 

While the definition of the term weed is broad and refers to any plant that’s not deliberately cultivated, most of us think of weeds as plants that we don’t desire in our gardens and outdoor spaces. 

Here are some of the most common garden weeds in the UK and how you can deal with them to create your ideal garden. 

Dandelions

With their large yellow flowers and distinctive white heads, dandelions are easily identifiable but not easily removed from your garden. They often grow in lawns and flowerbeds and are difficult to remove thanks to their spear-like roots, which drill down from beneath a small shield of leaves at the plant’s base. To get rid of dandelions, use a small knife and prise them from the ground, making sure that you lift out all of the roots. 

Horsetail

Known by many names, including horseweed, mare’s tail and horsetail, the plant Erigeron Canadensis is an invasive and deep-rooted plant that’s difficult to eradicate. Native to North and Central America, the plant was bought over to the UK many years ago and is now common throughout the country. It can be identified by its distinctive brush-like appearance, which is what gives the plant its many nicknames. You can find an effective Mare’s Tail weed killer from ProGreen to help you get rid of this invasive plant and reduce the amount of work you have to do digging deep for its roots. 

Nettles

Nettles are a common weed that grows in a wide range of spaces. Whether it’s on a lawn or even up through decking and beside garden buildings, nettles are hardy and can grow in even the most barren of soils. Nettles have barbs on the side of their leaves that can hurt your hands if you try to remove them physically, which is why you should always handle nettles with gloves and adequate protection for your skin. Use a weedkiller and then dig up the plant at the roots to remove it. Be vigilant, as nettles have a habit of returning where they’re not wanted. 

Japanese Knotweed

Once thought of as decorative, Japanese Knotweed is now one of the worst weeds in the UK, with many regions known as hotspots for this invasive plant. Japanese Knotweed is not just unsightly; it can also cause issues with maintaining and selling your home. It’s almost impossible to get rid of Japanese Knotweed yourself, and it can also be difficult to identify. If you’re concerned that it might be growing in or around your garden, then get in touch with your local council or a gardening expert to get confirmation on what the plant is. If they identify it as Japanese Knotweed, then you need to talk to specialists who can help you to get rid of the plant for good. 

How To Keep Your Lawn Looking Neat, Tidy, And Weed Free

One of the best well-kept secrets for maintaining a neat and tidy lawn is scarification. Scarifying your lawn moves moss, dead grass, and unwanted weeds, which in turn allows your grass to breathe and grow better.

Scarification helps to aerate the soil and create new space for grass shoots to sprout, therefore promoting healthy growth and greenery. Removing unwanted weeds and giving your lawn the scarification treatment will ensure all unwanted debris is gone and your garden’s grass has plenty of space to grow without any struggles of nutrient deficiency or lack of space. This, in turn, leads to strong and resilient grass that can better withstand the challenges of weather and foot traffic.

Final Thoughts

Weeds can ruin the look of your garden and, in many cases, will make it harder for you to grow the plants you love. These tips should help you to identify and deal with common UK weeds promptly and proactively.