If you spend any time at all taking care of your lawn or garden, you know what a problem weeds can be. Even the most beautiful of landscapes can be taken over in no time. While most people have a basic knowledge of weed control, spraying and pulling, that's about it. It's something almost every homeowner deals with, but there's a lot of misinformation out there about weed control. Here's a look at some of the most common myths, and the real truth behind them.

Myth #1: You Can Spray Away Any Weed Problem

In recent years, herbicide technology has improved dramatically. For many varieties of weeds, spray is all you need. But, relying solely on spray herbicides is an open invitation for weeds to take over your lawn. As new herbicides are being used, the weeds are developing. Over time, certain weeds start to become immune. Over that same time, government regulations slow the development of new chemical sprays, leaving some weeds untouchable by spray. The only way to truly make your lawn weed free is to get dirty. You will have to pull weeds, and you will have to do it regularly.

Myth #2: Take Care of Dandelions in the Spring

While many people turn their attention to dandelions when they flower in the spring, that's actually not the best time to control them. You may pluck, pull, spray and pick all day long, but you'll still see these weeds come back. You're not attacking the source. Once they've started to flower, they've taken over, since each plant can produce hundreds of seeds. These weeds are dormant in the winter, so that's not the best time either. The optimal time to control dandelions is in the fall, just before they go dormant. The best plan of attack is to use herbicides to kill them in the fall, and stop them from flowering in the first place.

Myth #3: Dig, dig, dig!

On the surface, this one might make sense. Keep aerating and digging up your yard, and you'll eventually uproot all the weeds. Here's the truth. Just about every inch of your lawn has weed seeds, ready to sprout and grow. Most of these seeds never see enough light to grow, though. But when you dig up unnecessarily, you're giving those seeds the light and moisture they need to sprout. Only dig when you need to, and be as unobtrusive as possible by using a knife or narrow blade.

Even if you're armed with all the knowledge you can have, there's no foolproof way to take care of weeds. It simply takes work, and you've got to be on the offensive rather than "reacting" to the weeds you see. But, if you keep these tips in mind, and you're not afraid to get dirty, you can have your yard looking beautiful in no time. If necessary, get professional weed control help from a company like Snyder's Weed Control.