Wisconsin's climate creates the perfect environment for a wide range of persistent weeds. Whether they are creeping through your lawn or popping up in your planting beds, these invaders compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Understanding the most common culprits and how to manage them keeps your yard healthy, clean, and easier to maintain.
The Weeds We Most Commonly Treat in Landscape Beds
This is where M.Y. Landscaping does the bulk of its weed-control work. These weeds thrive in mulch, soil, and planting areas and they require a different approach than lawn weeds.
Dandelions
Yes, they show up in beds too. Their taproots make them stubborn, and they often return if not fully removed.
Thistles
A major nuisance in beds. Their root systems run deep and wide, making repeated removal essential.
Buckthorn (Seedlings and Saplings)
An invasive woody plant that spreads aggressively. Young buckthorn pops up in beds and quickly becomes established if not removed early.
Mustardweed / Garlic Mustard
A highly invasive biennial that spreads by seed. It can quickly take over shaded beds and woodland edges.
Burdock
Recognizable by its large leaves and burrs. Burdock roots grow deep, and the plant can dominate neglected beds or edges.
Why Weed Control Matters
Weeds spread quickly, choke out desirable plants, and can even damage soil structure. In landscape beds, they steal nutrients from shrubs, perennials, and new plantings. In lawns, they weaken turf and create thin, patchy areas that invite even more weeds. A consistent weed-control strategy protects your investment and keeps your outdoor spaces looking polished.
How We Approach Weed Control in Landscape Beds
Every yard is different, but after years of working in Wisconsin landscapes, we have developed a clear, effective process for restoring overgrown beds and keeping new plantings healthy. Our approach focuses on long-term results, not quick fixes.
For Massively Overgrown Beds
When a bed is completely taken over by weeds like thistles, burdock, garlic mustard, or buckthorn seedlings, the most reliable solution is a full reset. That process looks like this.
- Physical Removal (The Most Important Step). For heavily infested beds, nothing beats hands-on removal. We dig out weeds at the root, especially deep-rooted species like thistles, burdock, and dandelions, to stop immediate regrowth and clear the space for proper restoration.
- Apply a Weed Preventer. Once the bed is cleared, we apply a pre-emergent weed preventer. This helps block new weed seeds from germinating, reducing the constant cycle of regrowth that happens in neglected beds.
- Targeted Topical Herbicide. After the preventer is down, we use a selective, topical herbicide to address any remaining or emerging weeds. This step helps eliminate stubborn species that survive root removal or sprout from dormant seeds.
- Install New Plantings. With the bed cleared, stabilized, and protected, we bring in fresh plantings. This gives the space a clean, intentional look and helps crowd out future weeds as the plants mature.
For Standard Beds (Before a New Install)
When we are preparing a bed for a new landscape installation, edging, mulch, shrubs, perennials, or stone, we take a preventative approach.
- Pre-Installation Weed Spray. Before we begin a large install, we spray the existing bed to kill off weeds and prevent them from entering your new landscape. This creates a clean foundation and reduces the chance of weeds popping up immediately after the project is finished.
- Summer Weeding and Spot Spraying. Even with the best preparation, weeds always find a way back. Summer is the ideal time for maintenance. Warm weather makes weeds grow quickly, which also makes them easier to spot and treat. Regular weeding and spot spraying keeps your beds looking polished and protects your investment.
When to Bring in a Professional
Some weeds, especially buckthorn, thistles, and garlic mustard, spread faster than most homeowners expect. If your beds feel overrun or you are tired of the constant battle, a professional team can restore order quickly and set you up for long-term success.