Remove weeds from your garden without chemicals with this expert hack

Background of green grass full of weeds
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As the UK approaches autumn, gardeners are being warned to brace for a surge in lawn weeds. These unwelcome plants tend to proliferate during this season and can be annual, biennial, or perennial, making them notoriously tricky to manage on your turf.

While chemical solutions are available, Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, advocates for a natural approach, which he claims is the "most effective way" to tackle the problem.

Weeds are essentially plants that crop up where they're not desired, and while they're not always unsightly, sometimes even including common wildflowers, for those striving for a pristine lawn, prompt weed removal is key, reports the Express.

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Peter advises: "Removing weeds is the first step in achieving the perfect lawn. Avoid using chemicals, boiling water and white vinegar that are rumoured to work as you run the risk of killing the surrounding grass and doing more harm than good.

"The more effective way is to simply dig. Take a hand trowel, or even a specialised weeding trowel, and dig around the weed but be sure to get deep under the root to make sure it is entirely removed."

This digging technique is particularly crucial for weeds like dandelions, broad-leaved docks, and plantain, which have extensive taproots. Merely removing the leaves won't suffice; gardeners must excavate the entire root to prevent regrowth.

It's essential to note that certain weeds are notably aggressive, swiftly expanding from even the smallest root fragment and form expansive underground stem systems called rhizomes.

After uprooting the pernicious plants, the next step is ensuring they dont return, emphasizing the need for a robust lawn maintenance routine.

For best results, experts suggest initially scarifying the lawn to chip away at the buildup of dead turf and other detritus obstructing air flow to the roots, followed by aeration to improve air circulation.

Consistent scarification can tackle seasonal weeds, moreover, it's effective for managing persistent species as well.

Layers of thatch and moss could be sapping your lawn, limiting access to vital nutrients and moisture - employing a scarifier is the solution to purge this organic matter while trimming the grass simultaneously.

Combat thistle or common ragwort invasions by mowing regularly; it helps in managing them.

Lawn care guru Peter recommended: "Mow throughout spring and summer little and often, and don't take too much off with the first cut so as not to shock the grass."

Before firing up their mowers, its critical for gardeners to attach a clippings bag or box to prevent the dispersal of weed seeds that potentially prompts further infestations.

By diligently gathering all seeds and snipping the weeds back, the pests will eventually weaken leading to impaired seeding. Persistently doing so will noticeably deplete the abundance of weeds in your lawn over time.