EARTH-FRIENDLY WEED KILLERS

HEALTHIER CHOICES FOR HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Unless you have been living under a rock, you are bound to have come across one of the many reports outlining the toxic chemicals that are used in herbicides and their long-term effects on both human beings and the environment. As a result, environmentally friendly products with active ingredients such as vinegar, salt, soap and essential oils have gained popularity.

As more earth-friendly weed killers hit the market every growing season, I wanted to chat with an expert about what they are and how they work.

MEET THE EXPERT 

HEATHER JOHNSON IS THE LEAD HORTICULTURALIST AT BACHMAN'S FLORAL & GARDEN.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HERBICIDE

Whatever the time of year or the conditions, you can use environmentally friendly ways to get rid of unwanted weeds or grass-from preemergent to post-emergent, selective and nonselective varieties.

Here are several important notes about products with environmentally friendly active ingredients. First, "A lot of the organic options are burn-down herbicides," Johnson explains, "meaning the roots will remain intact and be able to regrow new shoots later."

Second, Johnson stresses that "salt and vinegar can remain in the soil after killing the intended weeds, which can affect the growth of wanted plants in the area later on." To choose what's best for your lawn or garden, Johnson advises to start by answering these three questions:

WHAT TYPE OF WEEDS ARE YOU TRYING TO REMOVE?

Common weeds Johnson sees most homeowners struggling to control are dandelions, creeping Charlie and crabgrass. Both dandelions and creeping Charlie are broadleaf weeds. "If your lawn is overrun with these, it's more likely that the health of the lawn is being impacted, and lawn care besides just weed removal needs to be done," Johnson said.