Weeding Tools, Techniques & Tips

Weeding tools are one piece of the solution. It's not a secret that removing difficult weeds consistently ranks as most individual's least favorite gardening chore. But there is good news in the war against weeds: Homeowners tired of spending backbreaking hours in the garden pulling dandelions can rest a little easier thanks to proven techniques, clever tips and innovative weeding tools. Here are some bits of wisdom from lawn and garden experts designed to make killing weeds and prevention less of a problem, including:

Build up the lawn. Cultivating a strong lawn is one of the simplest ways to crowd out weeds. Dandelions and other common broadleaf weeds can't keep up with vigorously growing grass plants. The healthier and more lush your grass is, the less room there is for weeds.

Condition the dirt. Spend a few minutes doing what the experts call “top dressing,” covering a layer of peat moss over the lawn using a rake. The top dressing helps to slowly condition the lawn during the year, building up the grass so it can then resist disease, weeds and thatch, and reducing the quantity of fertilizer and water it needs. Peat moss makes pulling weeds easier in your garden, too. Add two inches of peat moss to the top six inches of soil to help loosen the soil.

Aerate. Many weeds grow when soil becomes compacted. You easily can decrease the likelihood of weeds getting control of a compacted area by using an aerator, a garden tool that removes small plugs out of the ground and allows air and water to get to grass roots in frequently walk on areas. If you've got a big yard, think about renting a power aerator. They are often expensive, however, so it might be cheaper to get together a number of neighbors to rent one together. For smaller yards or isolated problem areas, hand operated aerator that removes plugs as you step is a good choice.

Be aware of timing. Get after weeds early in the season before they have a chance to go to seed and spread across a broader area. And weeding in late fall is a great way to get a leg up on spring yard care. Autumn weeds are more vulnerable as they store up nutrients for the winter.

Wait until it's wet. Pull weeds after the soil is damp Don't bother trying to pull weeds out of dry turf. It is much easier to extract weeds after a light rain, when the soil is damp.

Use the correct weeding tools. Remove broadleaf weeds such as dandelions with an easy-to-use weeding tool that won't require you to bend or stoop. The Yard Butler Rocket Weeder is a wonderful way to pull a large quantity of weeds and not get your hands dirty - or damaging grass or close by plants. You just position the jaws over the middle of any weed and step down on the foot pedal, rock the tool backwards, and press the ejector handle to drop the weed into a bucket or bag. Other garden tools have changed in many ways since the “good old days” of tiny weed removing forks, as well: A stand-up Twist Tiller can work wonders by breaking up packed soil, and a Rotary Cultivator is a convenient way to weed between rows of plants.

Get the roots. Whichever technique you use to pull weeds, be sure to get out every last bit of root, or you'll run the risk of finding the backyard pest grow back even bigger than at first.

Yard Butler Rocket Weeder. Weeds come in all shapes and sizes. The unique gripping action of the Rocket Weeder pulls out even the biggest toughest weeds, root and all without damaging the surrounding turf or ground cover. It actually grabs the weed without breaking off the roots, while the ergonomic handle does most of the work by simply rotating the weed and root up out of the ground. The ejector button deposits the weed where you want it and keeps your hands clean. Weeding has never been easier or more satisfying. Learn about the Rocket Weeder. Just one of many professional grade garden tools available from the Yard Butler Store.

The Yard Butler Twist Tiller can help your soil and your plants by breaking up the hard compacted top layer. This allows water and air to get down into the soil, enhancing a plant?s ability to draw nutrients. In addition, loosening the soil makes planting and amending soil easier. The Twist Tiller can also be used for mixing compost and digging holes. Learn about the Twist Tiller. Just one of many professional grade garden tools available from the Yard Butler Store.

The Yard Butler Rotary Cultivator loosens the soil and weeds in your garden faster and with less effort. Specially-designed, bladed wheels rotate to create a scissors-like action that breaks up soil and uproots weeds while automatically cleaning themselves. The detachable blades can be removed for custom configuration so you can till between wide or narrow rows and around plants. The adjustable handle lets you customize the extension to your preference and prevents bending and back strain. Learn about the Rotary Cultivator. Just one of many professional grade garden tools available from the Yard Butler Store.

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