As much as you hate to see it go, summer is coming to an end and fall will be here in less than a month. The actions you take now can affect your lawn’s winter survival and how early or late it turns green next spring.

Weed pulling is one of those jobs that no one especially enjoys, but it must be done for the health of your lawn and garden. Before you start, we recommend viewing this guide from the University of Minnesota Extension so you don't incorrectly identify something as a weed. Once you're sure about what you want to pull, gather a pair of gardening gloves and a spade or small shovel for the job. You will probably want to have a small bucket or trash bag handy as well.

Some Considerations Before You Get Started
It is important to know your own limitations and to stay safe while completing the task of pulling weeds. To avoid the pain of sunburn and the risk of skin cancer, make sure that you apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15 to all uncovered skin. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet ray protection further insulate you from the damages of the sun.
 
Additionally, it's important to know if you're allergic to toxic plants or insect bites so you can take immediate action if you come in contact with either of these. Pulling weeds can be hard on the back, so be sure to take frequent breaks to avoid an injury. Placing a small pillow underneath your knees helps to make the task more comfortable as well.
 
Ready, Set, Pull
Your task will be much easier if you pull weeds after a good rain when the ground is still damp. With a gloved hand, grab the base of the weed as far down as possible. With a firm grip on the bottom of the weed, pull it sharply out of the ground. If the weed doesn't dislodge easily, loosen the soil around its base with a pointed garden tool. Once you have pulled the last weed, dispose of them promptly to prevent the seeds from being re-introduced to your lawn or garden.
 
Leave the Weed Pulling to The Lawnsmith
If you're not up to this task, no problem. We offer hand weeding as a one-time or ongoing service. Our crew also provides you with useful information to prevent the weeds from returning, such as recommending RoundUp or a similar product. Contact us today to let us know how we can help. 

Photo Credit: Jari Hindstrom / Getty Images