7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Garden Weeds in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver’s mild, wet climate is perfect for lush gardens—but it’s also perfect for persistent, fast-growing weeds. Left unchecked, they can crowd out your plants, steal nutrients, and make garden maintenance feel like a never-ending battle.

At Ascent Yard Care, we help homeowners, strata councils, and property managers across Vancouver clear out and control garden weeds—safely, effectively, and with lasting results. Here are 7 of the most effective ways to get rid of garden weeds in our local climate.

1. 

Hand Pulling with Root Removal

Tried-and-true, and especially effective for small infestations or garden beds near delicate plants. The key? Get the entire root system. Weeds like:

• Dandelion
• Plantain
• Hairy bittercress
• Herb Robert

…will grow back quickly if even part of the root remains. For best results, pull weeds when the soil is moist—after rain or watering.

2. 

Mulching Your Garden Beds

Mulch is one of the most powerful, natural weed control tools available. A thick layer of organic bark mulch, leaf mulch, or composted mulch suppresses weed seeds by blocking sunlight, while also improving soil health.

In Vancouver, we recommend refreshing mulch every spring and fall to stay ahead of seasonal weed pressure.

3. 

Spot-Treating with Herbicide (Pet & Garden-Safe Options)

For tough or deeply rooted weeds like:

• Creeping buttercup
• Bindweed
• Horsetail
• Spurge laurel seedlings

…a targeted herbicide can help. At Ascent Yard Care, we use carefully applied, pet-safe herbicides that minimize impact on surrounding plants while killing weeds to the root.

We always prioritize manual methods first, but for certain species and infestations, herbicides are the most practical and cost-effective solution.

4. 

Smothering Weeds with a Tarp or Cardboard

This technique is ideal for reclaiming larger overgrown garden beds or transforming a weedy area into usable planting space.

• Cover the area with cardboard or a tarp
• Layer mulch or compost on top
• Leave in place for 4–6 weeks

This starves the weeds of sunlight and kills them at the root, while softening the soil for future planting.

5. 

Cut & Regrow Strategy for Invasive Plants

For aggressive or invasive weeds like Japanese knotweed, blackberry, ivy, or Scotch broom, we use a two-step approach:

1. Cut the plant to the ground
2. Let it regrow
3. Apply herbicide to the young, vulnerable regrowth

This method reduces herbicide use and dramatically improves control success.

6. 

Use Pre-Emergent Weed Barriers

To prevent new weeds from sprouting, we can apply a natural pre-emergent layer (like corn gluten meal) or install a geotextile weed barrier beneath mulch. This is especially useful in high-maintenance beds or commercial plantings.

This stops seeds from germinating while allowing water and air to pass through—perfect for busy homeowners or strata properties.

7. 

Professional Garden Weed Control Services

When your garden beds are overrun—or you just want the peace of mind that it’s handled right—Ascent Yard Care offers full-service garden weed control in Vancouver.

We provide:

• Thorough manual weed removal
• Strategic, selective herbicide application
• Mulch delivery and installation
• Soil improvement and planting bed restoration
• Seasonal maintenance programs

Our expert crews show up on time, clean up thoroughly, and leave your garden looking like it should: clean, healthy, and under control.

Serving Vancouver & the Lower Mainland

We proudly serve:

• Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Coquitlam & New Westminster
• And nearby areas

Ready to Take Control of Your Garden?

Let Ascent Yard Care help you get rid of garden weeds for good—with expert methods, professional tools, and friendly, reliable service.

Victoria’s best now in Vancouver.