Realtor Insights: Non-Toxic Weed Control

from Martin Kojnok, neighbor and Realtor® in Maxwell Park

Now that summer is nearly upon us, the last throng of those pesky weeds are upon us too. Here’s a quick tip for how to rid yourself of them and manage them year-round: Spray them with high-concentration vinegar.

Vinegar, of varied concentrations is as versatile as baking soda. Though I’d shy from adding it to my toothpaste, it cleans, softens clothes, deodorizes (suprisingly), and - in high concentration will “burn” weeds and vegetation. I use a 30% concentration in my garden where 5% is the norm for food and laundry. (Note: Running a carafe of 5% through your coffee-maker’ll freshen that cup right up! Open the windows!)

Available at Home Depot or Amazon this stuff will start turning your weeds brown in a matter of hours. Within 24-36 hours, your weeds will be shriveled and basically done. It works particularly well on weeds with broader leaves and less well on grasses. Be careful to not spray on anything you’d like to keep around. It's not going to discern between your Trifolium (clover) and your Fragaria (strawberries)!

I particularly like to use it in my backyard because it’s safe for my dog (and for kids). It’s non-toxic, environmentally conscious, and inexpensive. It does make for a yard that smells a little like salad for a day or so, but I think it’s well worth the benefits.

In the rainy months, in between showers, it’s best to manage the peak of weed growth by spraying through every couple of weeks. Vinegar doesn’t kill the roots of many weed species, but it does definitely slow them down. By spraying them once in a while, it will help to reduce the organic matter they produce and will keep your weeds from getting out of hand. 

Dwell well, friends, and always feel free to reach out with any home or home sale questions.

Martin Kojnok 
CORCORAN ICON PROPERTIES
MBA | REALTOR® | DRE 01941661
martin@martinkojnok.com   m: 510.593.3370   www.martinkojnok.com