Design Tips For Minimum Weed Management

Nearly everyone dreams of a home with a beautiful landscape, but most people don't have the time to constantly maintain it. One major headache can be weed pressure. Anywhere with good soil and moisture can be quickly overtaken by weeds. Fortunately, there are some landscape design tips that help prevent weeds so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without the need for constant weeding.

Install Curbing and Footings

Concrete curbing and footings provide an effective barrier against weeds. Install curbing around garden beds to create a barrier between the lawn and the bed. This way, grass won't encroach on your flower plots, which minimizes the time spent pulling it out. Footings are similar to curbing except they are flat instead of being raised along one edge. They are best installed around the perimeter of fences. The footings create a barrier so grass and weeds don't grow right against the fence, where they would require hand pulling. The best part is that you can mow over the edges of curbing and footings, so you won't need to use a string trimmer to clean up the edges.

Make Use of Geotextiles

Geotextiles are landscape fabrics that are designed to prevent weeds from growing. Lay the fabric down over any plot of soil where you plan to grow perennial plants. Once the ground is covered and the fabric is staked down, cut small holes to plant through. Moisture and nutrients can soak into the soil through the top of the fabric, but weeds can't pierce it and grow through the fabric.

Plant Groundcovers

Bare soil is an invitation for weed encroachment. Fortunately, you can plant a low-maintenance living carpet that will prevent weeds from growing. Ground ivy, creeping thyme, and sweet woodruff are just a few options. You can even plant groundcovers around trees — just choose a type that won't climb up the trunk.

Use Mulch

Mulch performs much the same function as a groundcover. Beyond suppressing weeds, mulch will also help keep moisture in the soil because it slows evaporation. Wood or bark mulch is attractive in both perennial and annual flower beds, as well as around shrubs and trees. Rock mulches are a good option for perennial beds or areas where you don't plan to grow anything, such as around a utility box or an unpaved pathway.

For more help in designing a low maintenance yard, contact a company that offers landscape design services in your area.