To preserve aesthetics, it is necessary to manage weeds in landscape areas.
Weeds can mar the color patterns of annual or perennial flower beds.
Weeds also compete with desirable vegetation for water, nutrients, and space, and may prevent landscape plants from achieving maximum growth and health. Effective weed management requires a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. This section addresses both methods and discusses the best management practices to minimize the effects of herbicides on water quality. Use of chemical weed control should also be considered during plant selection. This is especially true in designing areas for perennial species that require several years to reach full size or areas that will have open ground after plants have reached maturity.