back yard is all weeds..what can i do? want something low maintenance?

Ariel Arons: buy a goat

Gaylord Barragan: Sow wildflowers. They will take care of themselves, with only a little occasional help from you. If you do, be sure to get a wildflower blend that is right for your area.

Russel Gajate: Pull up the weeds, preferably before they bloom & reseed. Don't dig too deep though. A week or so later remove the babies that sprouted. Put down weed barrier (Big Lots had the best price but you might do better via internet price search.) I have heard of people using layers of newspapers or cardboard as weed covers. Do not use plastic sheeting. Depending on your local ordinances you may be allowed to use gravel (about $21 for a huge bag at Lowe's & Home Depot) or wood chips, recycled colored rubber, astro-turf carpets. Craigslist has free bricks, gravel, broken concrete & sometimes plants if you contact & pick up. Native plants & wildflowers are also very good & you get to enjoy flutter bys & hummingbirds as well as keeping natures ! natural balance going. If you are planting, mulch should be applied but the level will vary with the plants. Don't place the mulch up to the plant; give a little space to avoid root rot. I asked the contractors trimming trees in my town for a trash can of mulch & they dumped a whole truckful in my back yard but it's free & will be used. Drought tolerant plants or container gardens are usually less maintenence. Plant things with similar needs (water, sun or shade,etc) together. Try to buy plants with some warranty (Osh says forever & Lowes 1 year) or near the end of the season when they go on sale. Occassionally you can bargain with them for a not so pretty plant that you can bring around. Also you can get deals on gardening & "outdoor living" supplies then. Splurge on a nice, covered swing set or table, etc. that has just gone out of season or bargain the price down at the store or yard sales. Put wood chips or gravel under your new yard funiture & enjoy the view....Show m! ore

Vernon Martorana: Yank them out by hand - it's good ! exercise and once they are gone it takes a while for them to come back. Don't poison the environment

Sabra Roers: Round-up is the only weed killer that I have found to be effective!*

Tosha Tawney: Spray first with Round-up. When all is dead spray again and then use gravel.

Lawana Neemann: better yet... buy two goats,and a garden gnome for a cute essential.remember gnomies bring love