Is It Better To Mow Or Pull Weeds?

You have a persistent weed problem in your garden and you're struggling to understand how to get on top of the issue. It's a scenario most gardeners have faced at least once. You've likely investigated a few different weed control methods, some of which you may have already put to the test. Mowing and hand-pulling are among the most common go-to methods, but which of the two should you try first? Both methods work well, but they tackle different weed problems. Which you choose will depend on how much time you have for weed removal, the types of weeds that are ruining your garden, and the landscape you're weeding.

If you're dealing with an abundance of annual weeds, mowing these pesky plants to the ground before they have time to set seed goes a long way in reducing their numbers. However, you need to use a simple mowing technique that'll help minimize weed growth in your yard. If you mow annual weeds before they flower, they won't have a chance to produce seeds, effectively ending their life cycle. This method doesn't work well with perennial weeds because mowing leaves the roots and cut stems in the ground, meaning the weeds may regrow from the remaining plant parts. Regular mowing can reduce a weed's energy reserves, resulting in a weaker plant, but often, that's simply not enough. Therefore, hand pulling is the best way to tackle perennial weeds, as long as you get all of the roots out of the ground.

Mowing weeds is often the quickest way to hide them and prevent them from flowering and going to seed. In larger yards, a regular trim will create a tidier lawn. However, if you're dealing with persistent perennial weeds, they can regrow quite quickly, meaning you'll have to get out the mower again in just one to two weeks. You'll also have to throw lawn clippings containing weed seed heads in the trash rather than compost them or use them as mulch to avoid inadvertently spreading the seeds throughout your yard. Overall, mowing weeds is quick and easy, but it generally only provides a temporary solution to your weed problems.

On the flip side, hand-pulling is the best way to get rid of certain weed species for good because you remove every part of the plant, including the roots. Once you've pulled a weed out completely, you greatly reduce the risk of regrowth. Of course, this method takes more time and effort than mowing because you have to remove one weed at a time. You might also struggle to get all of the roots out, especially if you're dealing with weeds that have deep taproots. Thankfully, you can say goodbye to stubborn weeds and pull deep roots quickly with a tool you may already own: a small crowbar. And remember, the best time to pull weeds without the hassle is just after it rains.