Methods to control your weeds
Mowing and Cutting
Mowing and cutting can decelerate the production of seed and can limit the growth of weeds. Especially when the work is completed before the weeds flower and sets seed. However, this does not apply to all plants. There are some weed species that re-sprout abundantly and continuously when cut, making the plant set seed and flower faster than usual.
An example of this is the yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Mowing is an effective method of controlling this weed, especially when there is approximately 2-5% flowering. However, if this particular weed is mowed earlier, it can re-sprout quickly.
How? Mowing and cutting can be done as primary treatments alongside herbicide applications to get rid of aboveground biomass. Just make sure that you collect and stash away the cut or mowed parts of the weed species that are capable of re-sprouting from the stem or root segments. This way, you're assured that the cut or mowed parts of the weeds will not infest the other areas of your pasture.
Weed Pulling
Uprooting plants by pulling is another effective method to prevent the spread of herbaceous and floating weeds. This is also effective in some shrubs, annuals, and tap-rooted plants. If you're quite hesitant to do it by hand, weed wrenches can be powerful tools to use. This is especially handy (excuse the pun) when you're trying to get a hold of large saplings and shrubs that are too big to be pulled manually. However, weed wrenches are not as effective against many perennial weeds whose stems are buried deep underground and whose roots re-sprout when left behind.
Some of the advantages of pulling include the minimal damage caused to surrounding plants, small ecological impact, and the low cost. However, it can be tedious and labour intensive, and its effect may only be seen in relatively small areas.
There are two kinds of weed pulling methods, namely hand pulling and pulling using tools. Hand pulling is often used to manage weeds in small areas because it's easier to plan and implement. All that is required is that you remove the roots without too much soil disturbance. This kind of pulling is useful in places that cannot be applied with herbicide. Meanwhile, tools can be used in removing, by properly grip the stem and provide the necessary force to pull its root out.
How? Pull out weeds slowly and carefully to prevent soil disruption. Disturbing the soil may provide a place for weeds to germinate and grow. Always wear your gloves, long-sleeved shirt, and pants when hand pulling as some plants can cause irritation to the skin when crushed or broken.
Stabbing
Stabbing weeds can destroy their carbohydrate storage structure, which immediately starves them, leading to their weakening or death. This, however, depends on their species. The organs that contain this carbohydrate storage structure are located at the base of the stem under the soil.
How? Push a knife, pruning saw, or flat-nosed spade as far below as possible to sever a taproot. Prevent re-sprouting by ensuring that the taproot is severed below the root crown.
Mulching
Mulching is another method that can be done in relatively small areas. However, it can also stunt or stop the growth of the surrounding plants. It also cannot control some perennial weeds, especially those whose food reserves continue to grow despite the mulching.
How? You may use hay, grass cuts, or wood chips, among others, as mulch. Cover the ground with this or with other covers, like newspaper clippings. This can prevent sunlight from passing through the weeds for its nutrition.
Girdling
Cutting or chipping away several centimetres of the bark all around the trunk is how your girdle. When the cut is deep enough, the vascular cambium, which stores and moves the carbohydrates throughout the tree, is removed, thereby killing it. This process requires much less labour than mowing and cutting and will only kill the targeted weed.
How? Cut approximately three or more inch parallel lines around the tree trunk. You may use a saw, knife, or axe to make the cut enough, so it reaches the cambium. Be careful not to cut it too deep, as it may cause the tree to snap and fall then and there.
Tilling
Turning the soil over or tilling is often used in protecting agricultural crops from weeds. This method is usually applied in sites where soils are already severely disturbed. Tilling is best done when the earth remains dry, and best completed before weed seeds develop.