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Why You Should Think Twice Before Hand-Pulling Lawn Weeds
By KALEIGH BRILLON
Hand-pulling weeds might seem like an immediate and eco-friendly solution to unsightly lawn problems, but it is merely a temporary fix that doesn't address the underlying problem.
Perennial weeds have intricate root systems. To effectively remove them, you must extract every part of their root, a feat that becomes even more challenging as the weeds mature.
Moreover, the act of hand-pulling can inadvertently scatter weed seeds across the lawn. These seeds can remain dormant for years, setting the stage for future weed outbreaks.
There is also a risk of damaging adjacent plants and grass in the process, resulting in bare patches that need time to heal. However, hand-pulling can work for younger weeds.
The key is to act as soon as you see them and remove their entire root system. You can water the weeds and use tools like a screwdriver or dandelion fork to make uprooting easier.