I have a grassy spot next to my garage that's overrun with weeds and Siberian elm trees. I'm thinking about a drastic approach to eliminate everything in that area so I can replant grass later. However, I want to make sure that whatever method I choose is pet-safe and won't cause lingering damage. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
Burning is another way to deal with them; just make sure to follow safety precautions. But I’d go with solarizing or boiling water methods as they are less risky for your pets and the surrounding area!
You could try pouring boiling water directly onto the weeds; it kills them right away! If your garage can handle it, a flame weeder is a quick way to torch the weeds as well. If you’re worried about fire, solarization or smothering with a tarp are safer options.
One great option is to use a clear tarp for a method called solarization. Just make sure it’s clear! Leave it on for about 1-2 months, and it can effectively kill weed seeds in the soil without messing with the soil chemistry too much. I’d avoid using vinegar since it can create long-term problems. By the way, check out r/lawnanswers for more tips!