What cultural practice can help in controlling weeds?

Maintaining healthy turf through regular mowing and proper fertilization is a highly effective cultural practice for controlling weeds. When turf is kept at an optimal height through mowing, it can become denser, which promotes competition against weeds for resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Dense turf can effectively shade out many common weed species, making it difficult for them to germinate and establish.

Additionally, fertilization tailored to the needs of the turf promotes vigor and resilience, helping it to outcompete weeds. Healthy grass can better withstand stress and prevent weed establishment, as robust plants are more capable of filling gaps and minimizing open spaces where weeds might take root.

Other practices, such as planting large trees to block sunlight, might not effectively address the underlying issues with weed pressure and could create additional shaded areas conducive to weed growth in other parts of the landscape. Over-watering can lead to shallow root systems and stress, which can encourage weed proliferation rather than suppress it. Similarly, applying fertilizers without considering the specific requirements of the plants can lead to nutrient imbalances, potentially weakening turf and making it more susceptible to weed invasion. These practices, while sometimes well-intentioned, do not promote the health of the turf in the same way that regular mowing and proper fertil