Do you have weeds growing around your trees? Wondering what is the best way to get rid of these unsightly weeds? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of weeds growing around trees without killing your tree. It’s a weed-killing method that is safe for your trees and pets. Below is a video show you how to safely kill the weeds around your tree.
Planting 101 participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates Program and may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We write these articles for free, so thank you for your support.
How to Kill Weeds Growing around Trees?
The safest way to kill the weeds growing around trees is to hand weed. Yep. The old-fashioned way- dig out the weed and make sure to remove the roots. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut to killing weeds growing around trees. If you use weed killers, there is always a risk that the weed-killer chemicals will harm your tree. The weed killer might even kill the tree. The weed killer’s chemical will seep into the roots and harm the tree.
Step by Step: How to Remove Weeds around Trees
Step 1: Water around the Tree
The best time to remove weeds is after rain. The soil will be moist and it will make it easier for you to remove the weeds around the tree. If it rained recently and the soil is moist around the tree. You can skip this step. If the soil is dry, you can help make it easier to hand weed with moist soil. Water around the tree trunk, and make sure to wet the area where the weeds are.
Step 2: Hand Weed around the Tree
The safest way to remove weeds around trees is to hand weed. Weed at least 12 inches (30 cm) in circumference around the tree. Pull out the entire weed, including the roots.
Use a garden weeder tool to make it easier for you to remove the weeds. Be careful when using a garden weeder tool, don’t stab the tree roots with your garden weeder tool. I also like these garden knife because it has a serrated edge for stubborn weeds.
Step 3: Mulch around the Tree
After you have removed all the weeds around the tree, you need to mulch the area. Mulching will prevent future weeds from growing in the area around the tree. Use organic mulch such as compost or shredded bark. Add 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) of mulch around the tree. Just don’t place the mulch too close to the tree trunk.
When is the best time to remove weeds?
After Rain
The best time to remove weeds is after rain. The soil will be moist and it will make it easier for you to remove the weeds around the tree. If there is no rain, simply water around the tree. That will make the soil moist.
In the Spring
The best time to remove weeds is in early Spring. Pull out the weeds as they are emerging. There will be fewer weeds to pull out. Plus, the weeds are young so the roots are not lodged deeply into the soil, making it easier to hand weed.
You May Be Interested In Other Weed Killing Methods
How to Kill Weeds Growing Around Trees without harming the tree (video)
4 Ways to Kill Weeds in Gravel Driveway without using chemicals (safe for pets and children)