Weeds, Good or Bad?

What is a weed?

     Weed are defined as unwanted plants in specific areas. So, with that definition, even if you had a rose bush in the “wrong” place, it would be a weed. That being said, I think that the definition isn’t quite right. Let’s just say a weed is a plant that you simply don’t want.

What kind of “weeds” are there in your lawns and planting beds?

      There are so many out there that it’s hard to name just a few, so let’s name some of the more common ones, but I warn you, some of these are “good.” Dandelions, plantains, both common and buck horn, clover, wild strawberries aka cinkefoil, lesser celandine (very invasive in river communities along the Delaware) and so many others. These are lawn weeds, but what about wild roses? How about God-awful honey suckle? Porcelain Berry. Bittersweet. Mile-a-minute vine and so many others. These are all most definitely weeds and all but one should be eradicated, in my opinion.

How can some weeds be good?

     Well, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Dandelions are weeds I will not allow in my lawn, but it’s one of the first flowers pollinators go for in spring, so it serves a very important purpose. That being said, all weeds that have flowers are a benefit to pollinators, but those pesky weeds would be much more acceptable in your neighbor’s yard. One weed people hate that it beneficial to insects but also to your lawn is…clover. Yes, that’s right. I now have an affinity for clover and so do a lot of people who want the beneficial aspect, but also a now mow lawn. Micro clover is making an impression as well. Clover “fixes” nitrogen in it’s root zone, so grass around it will always be green, as will the clover.

Are there any weeds you forgot?

     YES! I saved this one section for what I consider to be the absolute worst weed of all. It’s so bad as* that it even kills plants around it so that it can survive all on its own. Thistle, whether Sow, Globe, Common etc. are so hard to kill. It spreads underground sending deathly runners all around. Thistle can be poisoned with poisonous death mixes of the harshest herbicides and still come back. Truly, the devil’s weed. And there are very thin hairs that are almost thorn-like that really make this “plant” obnoxious.

When you go out with your poisonous herbicides, before spraying, think if killing them is really important or not. Yes, go after the worst ones, but there are some that should remain, so stop killing our ecosystem and be more aware of our earth and everything in it.

*** Plant Health Organics is a 100% Organic land care company serving Central NJ and Bucks County PA. We are PROUD of the work we do and know full well that what we do is BEST for you and our world. Contact us at 908-335-0553.***                    

-Joe Gentile, Owner Plant Health Organics, LLC

      With offices in

       Frenchtown and Monmouth County, NJ