Fields left unattended often become overwhelmed with weeds. Taking over a weedy field and transforming it into a productive space can seem daunting. But with some diligence and the right techniques, clearing fields of weeds is very doable.
In this article, we’ll explore efficient methods for removing weeds at the field scale. Follow these steps to reclaim your field from invasive plants and create an ideal garden canvas.
Assess the Weed Situation
Before taking action survey the field to understand what you’re dealing with weed-wise.
-
Identify the predominant weed species. Are they annuals, perennials, grasses? This affects removal methods.
-
Note heavily vs lightly infested areas. Tackle dense sections first.
-
Check for weed seed heads. Removing plants before seed set reduces future growth.
-
Gauge root depth. Shallow roots pull out easily while deep taproots resist removal.
-
Watch for running vines like bindweed. They spread aggressively if left unchecked.
Evaluate the weed growth patterns and types in your field. This informs the best approach to eradication.
Cut Down Large Weed Growth
The first step is cutting back tall-growing, mature weeds. This curtails further seed dispersal and removes top growth to simplify weed elimination.
For large fields, use a brush cutter, mower, or tractor-mounted mowing implement. In smaller areas, string trimmers, scythes, or even manual shears can tackle overgrown weeds.
Cut weeds as close to the ground as possible. Wear protective goggles and gloves when operating power equipment. Dispose of cut weeds or add to a compost system.
Pull Weeds by Hand
For annual weeds and juvenile perennials, manual pulling is an effective follow-up to cutting. Focus first on weeds around the field edges.
Grasp stems low and tug firmly to uproot the entire plant. Remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Use a weeding tool like a hula hoe to sever roots if soil compaction impedes removal. Dislodge stubborn taproots with a digging fork.
Hand pull weeds after rain when the soil is slightly moist. Avoid periods of excessive dryness or wetness.
Apply Herbicides
For extensive infestations, applying herbicides augments manual removal. Use chemicals judiciously to avoid environmental harm.
Pre-emergents prevent future germination of weed seeds. Apply in spring to keep new growth at bay.
Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate kill all actively growing plants. Use to spot-treat weeds missed by other methods.
Selective herbicides target specific weed species. They spare desirable plants when applied correctly.
Always follow product labels and local regulations for herbicide usage. Wear protective equipment when spraying.
Smother With Tarps or Mulch
Smothering is an eco-friendly way to kill weeds by cutting off sunlight. It takes some time but avoids chemicals.
For smothering:
-
Cut back and remove existing weed growth first.
-
Cover areas thickly with mulch, cardboard, yard waste, etc.
-
Top with a secured tarp, weighted down at edges.
-
Leave covered for at least 6 weeks. Longer is better for perennial weeds.
The lack of light halts photosynthesis, eventually killing covered weeds. Reapply mulch as needed if biomatter decomposes and allows light through.
Till Weed Debris Into Soil
As you make progress combating weeds, collect and chop up the dead vegetation. Till this organic matter back into the soil using a rototiller or disc harrow.
Rototilling weed residues enriches the soil and speeds up decomposition. It also helps uproot any remaining weed roots and seeds near the surface.
Wait 2-3 weeks after herbicide use before tilling to allow chemicals to dissipate. Till only when soil moisture is optimal, avoiding overly wet or dry conditions.
Crowd out Weeds by Planting Cover Crops
An alternative to intensive weeding is sowing desirable “cover crops” like buckwheat, clover, alfalfa, or ryegrass. As the chosen crops grow, they crowd out and smother weeds.
Fast-growing warm season cover crops are ideal for suppressing warm weather weeds. Cold hardy crops prevail over cool season weeds. Plant a sequence through the year for full coverage.
Mow, till under, or smother out cover crops when establishing gardens or a new lawn. The residues improve soil health as they decompose.
Employ Multiple Techniques for the Best Results
Rather than relying on just one approach, use several integrated strategies tailored to your weed types and field conditions:
-
Begin mowing or cutting weeds just before flowering.
-
Pull young weeds after cutting back growth.
-
Spot apply herbicides where needed for problematic patches.
-
Mulch and smother areas once pulling is complete.
-
Till in killed residues to enrich soil before planting.
-
Plant cover crops to outcompete recurrent growth.
With some persistence and a multifaceted game plan, you can reclaim your field and start fresh with healthy soil and beautiful plantings.
Also in: Weeds
How to clear larger areas, such as an overgrown allotment or veg patch:
- Cutting down weeds that are too high is the first step. Next, cover the area with at least 20 cms of thick compost manure mulch and firmly walk on it. You can also use sheets of cardboard under the mulch. Without light, the weeds will weaken and eventually die off. Use the slashed foliage and stems on the compost heap.
- Dig up deep-rooted weeds, such as dandelions and docks. Cover the roots with water and put the leaves on the compost pile. Do this for about a month. The water can be used as a liquid feed.
Persistent weeds such as bindweed have to be dug over regularly, removing as much root as possible. After a few months of mulching like this, it will be much easier to dig out the roots. If you want to keep bindweed in your herbaceous border, you should wait until fall and then dig up the plants you want to keep.
Clear the weed roots of their pieces, and then put down a well-composted bed that has been dug over to get the roots of the weed out. To get rid of weeds easily, you may have to dig them up over and over again for a few years.
Put the weed foliage and roots (but not flowers or seed heads) into a black plastic sack. Put the top in a corner out of the way and tie it up. Leave it there until it turns into gooey sludge, then compost it.
Don’t forget that not using harmful chemicals will be good for more than just your health. You will also be helping other living things do well in the area where you grow your plants. Some weeds, like a small patch of stinging nettles, will provide food for pollinating insects. The leaves can also be used to make a high-nitrate liquid feed.
Remove weeds using these effective methods | Gardening 101 | Gardening Australia
FAQ
How do you clear a large field of weeds?
How do you kill weeds in a field?
How do I clear overgrown weeds?
When you need to clear overgrown weeds, it’s best to avoid chemicals, especially those that sterilize the soil because it affects the ability to grow plants there later. Manual removal methods help clear the weeds and prepare the area for planting.
How do you kill weeds naturally?
To clear weeds naturally, you can kill them with boiling water and salt or smother them with newspaper. Vinegar with 20% acetic acid kills weeds on contact, but can also kill surrounding plant life, so protect nearby greenery and soil. In this article, we’ll give you a broad overview of how to clear a yard full of weeds.
How do I get rid of weeds in my yard?
If your yard is overrun by unwelcome weeds, there are several options to eradicate them. To clear a yard full of weeds use chemical weed treatments like Weed and Feed or Weed B-Gon. To clear weeds naturally, you can kill them with boiling water and salt or smother them with newspaper.
How do you get rid of tall weeds?
If the weeds are completely overgrown, they can be extra tall and difficult to manage. Cutting down the tall weeds can make it easier to use other treatment methods to clear the area completely, such as smothering the weeds. A string trimmer or brush mower can cut down the tall weeds easily.