How To Get Rid Of Grass Along The Fence (3 Ways To Do It!)
Unwanted grass can be a real nuisance for homeowners in suburban America. And mowing is of no help because the grass it just grows back in a matter of days.
However, when this grass invades the clearing under wooden or chain-link fences, just a few inches above the ground, it can be very difficult to get rid of. Notice we said difficult, not impossible!
To get rid of grass along the fence, you can use store-bought weed eaters or herbicides to get the job done quickly. However, if you want a more natural and eco-friendly solution, you can try weed flaming or polarizing the grass to burn it from the roots. You can also spray vinegar on the grass.
Considering the required effort to upkeep your garden, many people opt for synthetic grass. If you are also leaning towards installing artificial grass, make sure you know if that’s the right decision for you.
After all, no one likes the look of weeds poking through a fence; it can compromise all your gardening efforts and make the yard look unkempt. But don’t worry; we are going in-depth with some of the most effective methods to get rid of weeds.
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3 Tried-And-Tested Methods To Get Rid Of Grass And Weeds
Don’t forget to get your neighbor’s permission so they know that you plan to use a chemical substance on the lawn and that it might spill over into theirs. Here are some practical ways to kill the weed and unwanted grass on your property:
Use A Weed Eater
Weed-eater is perhaps the best useful tool to keep your lawn or backyard’s grass neat and trimmed. Follow the steps below to get rid of grass and weed:
Step 1: Grab Your Safety Gear
A weed-eater is a powerful grass-cutting tool that can seriously hurt you if used carelessly. Therefore, it’s essential to wear safety gear such as gloves, sturdy shoes, and glasses before operating it.
While your sturdy shoes are going to save you from any unwanted foot injury, the glasses and gloves are going to act as a shield to protect you from dirt as well as debris.
Step 2: Lift The Weed-Eater Wire About 6 Inches
Grab your weed eater and lift the wire about 6 inches above the ground. This is the perfect height for cutting grass, as recommended by many gardeners.
If you’ve got a gas-powered weed eater, pull the starter cord to get it to work. However, if you have an electric weed eater, just push the button, and you are ready to go.
Step 3: Use Both Hands To Grab Weed-Eater While Operating It
Perhaps, the most convenient and safest method to use your weed eater to cut grass under the fence is by keeping a hand on its trigger while the other hand rests on its handle.
You need to make sure that the trigger end always remains at your waist level. Here, you’ve to be extra careful while using it, as it can cause strain in the wrist, hand, and back. So, if you feel uncomfortable, take some rest every few minutes.
Step 4: Lower Weed Eater’s Head To Almost 1-Inch Over The Ground
If you’re cutting the grass very closely, you will wind up missing it altogether. To avoid this, try keeping the head of your weed eater at least 1-inch above ground level at all times.
Plus, you can also use your lawnmower in case the grass needs leveling after the trimming.
Step 5: Move Your Weed-Eater Side-By-Side Almost A Foot Every Time
Spin your weed eater in the same direction as its wire. You’ve to move it steadily so that it cuts the grass properly as you move forward.
Note: Don’t swing it; just move it slowly. It’s safer that way and gets better results.
Step 6: Try Cutting Grass With The Tip
The nylon wire tip holds the power to cut grass or other weeds so always aim to grass with this tip. However, make sure that you don’t try to cut away too much grass in one go, using the entire wire. Doing this can overload the engine.
Use A Herbicide
The herbicide is a chemical solution that is used to kill off specific plants. Herbicides are generally used in agricultural pastures on fast-growing plants that grow unfettered and compete with the main cash crop. Usually, herbicide treatments are needed only once or twice a year to keep your fence line clear.
If you perform the treatment yourself, make sure you read all the safety precautions first. Also, be sure to use protective gear, and follow the steps below to see how to do it:
Step 1: Water It First
Water the soil lightly with about 1 inch of water (if it is dry) a few hours before you start the weeding process.
Step 2: Pulling Out The Weeds
Carefully pull out the weeds to remove it from the roots. Some weeds may have long roots that go deep inside the soil, so you might need to pull harder.
Step 3: Apply The Herbicide
Apply the herbicide on the weeds. Be sure to spray it directly on the weeds or use a brush to apply it. Take your time to research the type of herbicide to use, so you know if it needs to be diluted.
Step 4: Avoid The Plants
Be careful to avoid spraying it on the plants, as they will die in contact with the herbicide. You can use a selective herbicide that only attacks the weeds.
Step 5: Apply The Mulch
Apply mulch on both sides of the fence, up to 6 inches away from it. A layer of cardboard or newspaper below the mulch will further help suppress weed growth.
Use 2 inches of fine mulch like shredded bark and 4 inches of coarse bulk like bark chips. To learn how to get rid of mushrooms in mulch, click here.
Solarize The Grass (A Natural And Convenient Way To Do It)
For larger areas, one of the best methods to use is burning off the grass using the power of the Sun to heat it up. What you need to do here is to focus the Sun’s heat onto the sod at its highest level. This will cause the grass to die off.
Simply hold an old windowpane or sheet of glass over the grass and let the sun’s rays concentrate onto it through the glass. You can also use a sheet of black plastic as it is a good absorber of heat. The best time to do this is in the afternoon when the sun is at the highest point.
Follow these steps to get the best results in solarizing your grass:
- Cut the grass down to a short minimal length.
- Cover the area with plastic or glass.
- Use rocks, soil staples, or the fence to keep the plastic or glass in place.
- Leave it in place for a few weeks to kill the roots completely.
- Remove the covering and remove the dead sod.
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Related Questions
How Long Does It Take To Kill Grass With Vinegar?
Put around 1 gallon of vinegar in a container. Even a 5 percent concentration of house vinegar will work for this. Repeat this process several times. It may take around two or three days, but this will get the job done.
What Is A Natural Grass Killer?
Salt is a powerful plant killer. It will drain the water out of the plant cells, shrinking them and eventually killing them. This is why salinity is such a big problem for agriculture, and regular plants do not grow by the seashore.
Does Lemon Juice Kill Grass?
Lemon juice is also a natural plant killer. Just cover the weeds with the liquid, and they will shrivel away in a matter of a few days. Though remember, lemon juice kills every plant, so make sure not to let any fall on the plant while sprinkling on the weed.
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Ian Haynes is a digital marketing specialist and has successfully written hundreds of home improvement guides. Outside of his work, Ian likes fixing old bikes and exploring Brooklyn with his Labrador.
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