Weeds can originate anywhere, but often they sprout close to home. Here are some ways to keep neighboring weeds from colonizing your yard.
On a windy day, there’s no telling how far weed seeds can travel. Weeds are likely to be more prevalent if they’re traveling a shorter distance — say, between your yard and your neighbor’s. But even if your neighbor’s yard is pristine, you may yet find weeds on your side to deal with. Defend against airborne invaders with these strategies.
How to Keep Neighbor’s Weeds Out of Your Yard
Edging
Some weeds spread through their root system. An underground barrier of steel, plastic or composite edging sold at big box stores can help deter this migration. You can also edge by hand with a flat-tip spade, slicing a V-shape trench and filling with mulch.
Hedges or Fences
Thick hedges (think yews, arborvitae or privet) can act as a barrier to windblown seeds such as dandelion. Mulch beneath them with two inches of stone or wood chips to keep seeds from rooting beneath the barrier. While a chain link fence won’t help against windblown seeds, a stockade privacy fence will.
Pre-emergent Herbicide
Spread in early spring, a pre-emergent herbicide like corn gluten will keep weed seeds from sprouting. This is a good way to take care of crabgrass and other winter weeds that deposit seeds over winter and sprout the following growing season.
Mulch or Rocks
Bare ground is a haven for weed seeds to sprout. It’s nature’s way of preventing erosion, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. But who wants weeds, right? If you’ve got bare ground, cover it with landscape fabric and two to three inches of stone or wood chips. Occasionally weed seeds will still germinate in the mulch. But the landscape fabric makes it impossible for them to send down roots, so they are easily pulled.
Fortified Lawn
A thick, lush lawn is a great defense in itself. Keep your turf in top shape by aerating, fertilizing and watering. This makes it tough for weed seeds to germinate and also keeps creeping plants like ground ivy from successfully rooting via migrating stems.
FAQ
How effective are privacy fences for weed control?
Melissa Rolston, landscaping expert at Paramount Landscaping Inc. shares about the effectiveness of privacy fences for weak control: “They’re better at stopping eyes than weeds,” she states. “Fences won’t block weed seeds blown by wind or spread by underground roots. If you’re fencing, add a weed barrier along the base and consider planting dense groundcover to choke out unwanted growth.”
Will landscape fabric completely prevent weeds?
Landscaping fabric will not completely prevent weeds. Rolston says, “It helps — especially under gravel or pathways — but over time, dirt and debris settle on top, and weeds will sprout there anyway. It’s a tool, not a cure-all. I recommend using it strategically rather than relying on it alone.”
What should I do if my neighbor refuses to control their weeds?
“It’s frustrating, especially if invasive weeds are spreading into your yard,” sympathizes Rolston. “Start with a kind, neighbourly conversation. Maybe even offer to help. If they’re uncooperative, keep your side under control, install a root barrier if needed, and document everything. If it impacts your property value or safety, you may have legal options—but again, diplomacy is always your best first move.”
About the Expert
Melissa Rolston is the Chief Strategy Officer at Paramount Landscaping Inc., an award-winning landscape company based in Canada. They offer lawn care, tree trimming, and garden installation where their experts help enhance outdoor spaces with vibrant color and lush greenery.
