Depending upon the weed species present, it may be possible to prepare a site by mowing and then tilling to eliminate unwanted vegetation. The site should then be left undisturbed for 7 to 14 days to allow weeds to germinate. Weed seedlings should then be removed through shallow cultivation, disturbing the soil as little as possible. Too much soil disturbance brings new weed seeds to the surface where they germinate and continue the cycle of weed production. This type of preparation works best in an area with no perennial weeds.
Perennial weeds are difficult to kill through cultivation alone.
Cultivation often makes a perennial weed problem worse by breaking up the reproductive structures of the plant and spreading them throughout the cultivated area. Once existing vegetation has been removed, steps should be taken to prevent weed seed germination and growth of new weeds. Mulches will prevent weed germination and suppress weed growth within the landscape. However, if mulch is allowed to deteriorate, weeds may be able to become established. Materials such as pine or hardwood bark, leaves or needles, grass clippings, sawdust, woven polypropylene fabrics, or gravel can be used as mulch.