There are a number of ways one could deal with the weeds in the landscape, we wrote about them in our Weed Control Strategies article. Here we want to delve deeper in the concept of prevention strategies for controlling weeds. There are several methods to choose from. They can be used individually but generally best to use in combination. The most organic approach would be to plant strategically. Modern society has increased their dependance on the non-organic chemical. We will touch on both of those ideas as well as several others. 

Strategic planting in the landscape is a powerful tool for preventing weed growth. By selecting and arranging plants thoughtfully, you can create an environment where weeds have less opportunity to establish and thrive. Here are several ways strategic planting can help control weeds:

• Adapted Species: Native plants are well adapted to local conditions and often outcompete non-native weed species. They can establish more quickly and require less maintenance, making them an effective component of weed management.
• Ground Covers: Planting ground covers that spread quickly and form a dense mat can significantly reduce the space available for weeds. Examples include creeping thyme, periwinkle (Vinca minor), and ajuga.
• Long-Lived Plants: Perennial plants, once established, can dominate a space for years, reducing the need for replanting and decreasing the chances of weeds taking over. Examples include hostas, daylilies, and ornamental grasses.
• Cluster Planting: Grouping plants closely together can create a canopy that shades the soil, reducing the amount of light that reaches the ground and making it difficult for weed seeds to germinate and grow.
• Interplanting: Planting different species together in a way that covers the ground effectively. For instance, mixing tall plants with sprawling or vining plants can ensure that all levels of the soil are covered.
• Fast-Growing Species: Using fast-growing plants can quickly fill in open spaces, leaving less room for weeds. These plants outcompete weeds for light, nutrients, and water.
• Allelopathic Plants: Some plants release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants, including weeds. For example, sunflowers, black walnut (Juglans nigra) and certain types of fescue grass produce allelopathic compounds.

Using much, specifically the commonly used wood chips, in the landscape is a highly effective method for preventing weeds. Wood chips serve multiple functions that contribute to weed control, soil health, and overall landscape aesthetics. Mulch can be used by itself or be paired with and aid other methods. Here's a detailed look at how wood chips can help prevent weeds:

• Light Blockage: A thick layer of wood chips blocks sunlight from reaching the soil surface. Without sufficient light, weed seeds struggle to germinate and grow.
• Soil Coverage: Wood chips cover the soil, reducing the available space for weeds to take root. This is especially important in areas where the soil is disturbed, and weed seeds are likely to be exposed.
• Temperature Stability: By moderating soil temperature fluctuations, wood chips create a more stable environment that favors the growth of desired plants over weeds.
• Water Conservation: Wood chips help retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Some weeds thrive in dry conditions, so maintaining soil moisture can help control for those. Stable soil moisture can help support the desired plants too.
• Organic Matter Addition: As wood chips decompose, they add organic matter to the soil. This improves soil structure and fertility, which supports the growth of desired plants and helps them outcompete weeds.
• Microbial Activity: Decomposing wood chips enhances microbial activity in the soil, which can further suppress weed growth by creating a healthier, more competitive soil environment.
• Persistent Barrier: Compared to other mulches, wood chips decompose slowly, providing a long-lasting barrier against weeds.

Practical Application Tips

Wood chips can be a huge aid in the landscape with few drawbacks. There are a few things to consider if you are going to use wood chips as mulch. 

• Layer Thickness: Apply wood chips in a layer that is 2-4 inches thick. Too thin a layer will not effectively block light, while too thick a layer can create issues with water infiltration and root growth.
• Refresh as Needed: Periodically add new wood chips to maintain an effective depth as the old layer decomposes.
• Weed Management Before Application: Remove existing weeds before applying wood chips to prevent them from growing through the mulch.
• Avoid Mulching Against Plant Stems: Keep wood chips a few inches away from the stems of plants and trees to prevent moisture-related diseases and rodent damage.
• Be Mindful of Wind: Dry wood chips can blow around in strong wind. If you live in a particular windy area, make sure you make plans to counter the wind or consider using rock instead. A properly planted bed is best to reduce wind disruptions but landscape mulch glue may be what you need.

Weed control barriers can be an effective method for preventing weeds in the landscape. There are various types that you should consider, which may include plastic sheeting, landscape fabric and garden paper. 

All weed barriers should perform the same basic function: the barrier should prevent weed seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight and creating a physical barrier to hinder upward growth. 

Plastic Sheeting: Although plastic sheeting can be very effective, it has one major drawback. It does not allow water and air to circulate into the soil which can hinder or even kill your desired plants. Plastic sheeting can sometimes be used temporarily to smother weeds or solarize the soil. 

Landscape fabric: A popular option but often yields regret later on.  While it can be as efficient as plastic sheeting, it has the added benefit of allowing water and air to circulate into the soil. However, it is effective as a barrier when it is new, but as it degrades new problems emerge.

Most manufacturers claim the barrier will work for about 5 years, but it is common to see weeds find their way through as quickly as the second year. As weeds find their way through the cloth, and they are sure to do so, they will use the fabric as an anchor for their roots to hold onto, as such the fabric makes it much harder to pull the weeds in the long run. What’s worse, for stubborn weeds that can’t be pulled out the gardener’s next choice is to dig them out, but they can’t do that without cutting the fabric.

Most landscape fabrics are made out of plastic, which means they will degrade but they do not decompose. Meaning once they lose their effectiveness in a couple of years, the fabric remains as plastic pollution in the garden or you must remove the entire cover and start over. Many people opt to leave it in place, you’ve likely seen such plant beds, the ones with ragged, black fabric emerging throughout. 

One last problem to mention for now, I’ve seed plenty of examples where a landscape was installed with landscape fabric and young plants only to see the plants grow bigger and thicker but the fabric does not yield and ends up constricting and damaging the base of the plant.

There may be applications where landscape fabric is well suited, but it is not the option we regularly turn to for common landscape needs.

Garden Paper: We see garden paper as the better option that gives us the basic function of a barrier without as many cons. 

Paper is generally installed with multiple layers but is still generally less expensive than plastic fabric. The paper will block the weed seeds from sunlight and act as a physical barrier inhibiting upward growth. Paper shares the advantage with landscape fabric in that it allows for water and air to circulate into the soil. 

Paper does have a shorter effective life span than landscape fabric; However, instead of becoming trash and pollution as it degrades, it instead becomes organic mulch that helps improve soil health. There is no need to rip up the landscape to remove it like one might need to do with the landscape fabric. 

Garden paper is our standard recommendation for weed barriers. It can provide the physical barrier we are looking for, permits water and air circulation and has the added benefit of being decomposable; all while not inhibiting plant growth, polluting the soil nor becoming an anchor base for weed roots.

While manual and mechanical methods are effective, the use of chemicals can provide an efficient and often more lasting solution. Chemical herbicides act quickly, providing noticeable results within days to weeks. They can cover large areas faster and more efficiently than manual weeding. They do come with higher risk of hazard. Different chemicals come with different dangers to be aware of. Always follow best practices for safety and environmental stewardship to achieve optimal results with minimal impact. Here's how chemicals can help prevent weeds in your landscape:

Pre-emergent Herbicides: Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to the soil before weed seeds germinate. These chemicals form a barrier on the soil surface that inhibits the growth of weed seedlings. They must be applied at the right time, usually in early spring or late fall, before weed seeds start to germinate. Even coverage is essential for effectiveness. After application, watering the area helps activate the herbicide.

Post-emergent Herbicides: Post-emergent herbicides are used to kill weeds that have already emerged and are actively growing. These types of product are helpful to kill the roots to prevent the weed from growing back after addressing it. These can be selective or non-selective. Selective Herbicides target specific types of weeds (e.g., broadleaf weeds) without harming desirable plants. They are useful for treating weeds within lawns and garden beds. Non-selective Herbicides kill all vegetation they contact, making them ideal for clearing areas like driveways, walkways, and other non-planted spaces.

By understanding the different types of weed control methods and their proper application, you can effectively incorporate a variety of strategies into your landscape maintenance routine, ensuring a healthier, more attractive garden.