The sub-tropical climate in South Florida creates prime growing conditions for weeds, so homeowners must be diligent about controlling the pesky plants. The landscape battle rages year-round, and often more than one strategy is needed to prevent regrowth. Here are some simple ways to combat weeds in otherwise-beautiful landscaping.
Weed-Blocking Cloth
This heavy black cloth is applied on the ground before plants are installed or before mulch or hardscapes are put down. The cloth has fine holes that water and air can get through but not the light that weeds need to grow. Some landscape fabrics are thicker than others; avoid the thinner options, which are less effective.
Mulch
Mulch, such as bark dust, can be an effective weed deterrent while also benefitting your South Florida plants in many ways. The heavy material prevents light from permeating the surface, which stymies weeds. Mulch will also help soil retain moisture between waterings.
Chemicals
Chemicals are not usually a homeowner’s first choice, but there are times when they are the most effective option. After removing all existing weeds, one can spray a pre-emergent solution that prevent weed seeds from germinating in the first place.
Other chemical options are used to kill already-growing weeds. They are sprayed on the plants near the roots and take time to eliminate the plant. The best feature of these types of chemicals is that they can kill the entire root, which can be difficult to achieve with hand weeding.
Ground Cover
Perhaps the most attractive choice for combatting pesky plants is ground cover, which are dense, small-leafed plants that prevent light from reaching the soil. Ground cover plants spread quickly and create lovely green in a place that may have been brown and filled with weeds.
Living in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale certainly has its perks, but perpetual fights with weeds is not one of them. Try some of these different options for a beautiful landscape.
Zito Landscape Design Can Help You Design Beauty and Privacy Into Your Yard
Depending on your landscape needs, you might want to vary the height of your hedge or privacy screen to make it more visually interesting. That means choosing trees and shrubs of different heights. When you’re looking into shrubs and trees, you’ll also need to consider how much sun and shade they get, as different plants have different needs.
