Wood You Be-Leaf It?!
Stop Weeds in Their Tracks
SIMPLE TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR LAWN ALL SEASON LONG
Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors. IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk. POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings. GETTING OUTSIDE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER
Nothing ruins a beautiful lawn quite like weeds. These pesky sprouts can quickly take over and spread, choking your grass
and stealing essential nutrients from your soil. One of the best ways to handle these intruders is by preventing them from taking root in the first place. With the proper preventive measures, smart landscaping strategies, and natural techniques, you can keep your lawn healthy, full, and weed-free all season long. Let’s dig into some of the best ways to stop weeds in their tracks.
A HEALTHY LAWN One of the best deterrents for weeds is a thick, healthy lawn. When you can create a strong canopy of grass, it crowds out weed seedlings, so they don’t get enough sunshine or space to grow. Your soil is the foundation of healthy grass, so make sure it’s properly nourished and aerated. Ensure the roots are strong enough to prevent weeds by never cutting grass shorter than 2 1/2 inches. When you trim your lawn, you can leave the grass clippings, which will break down and increase the nutrients in the soil. MULCH Mulch is an effective way to retain soil moisture and regulate the temperature, helping your plants grow strong. It’s also a good tool for stopping weeds. A 2–3-inch layer of mulch creates a barrier between your lawn and weeds, depriving the seeds of sunlight and slowing their growth. Remove any large weeds or patches before you mulch over the area to prevent existing weeds from getting through. LANDSCAPE FABRIC Landscape fabric is a cost-effective way to prevent weeds from growing, though it may not be a long-lasting fix. The material is easy to install and can be set on top of garden beds and covered with a few inches of mulch or stones. It acts as a shield against new weeds, cutting off their supply of sunlight and water. But over time, you may have to remove weeds that get through here and there. One of the best fixes for weeds is the simplest one — pulling them by hand or with a tool. When you pair this hands-on approach with preventive measures like mulch or landscape fabric, you’ll have a powerful strategy to prevent weeds from taking over your yard.
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