The War Against Weeds
In one of my first posts I mentioned that I am very anti-chemical poison when it comes to building a beautiful yard.  I realize that there are some old-timers out there (named "Dad") who do not agree despite the fact studies have shown using chemical poisons can have long term negative effects for people, pets, and wildlife. I try to be understanding and non-judgmental (since, afterall, I do drive a car so I contribute in my own way to polluting the environment) but I do reserve the right to get a bit uppity when I see the "Lawn Dog" truck (which bears the mantra "Environmentally Responsible Lawn Care" on its door) idling while the driver/worker spreads seed on my neighbor's front lawn.

So, when it comes to weeds, I first will hand pull (dandelions are so large rooted they tend to be easy, just remember to get the entire carrot-like root as they are perennials and will come back better than ever if you aren't careful) or use white vinegar in a spray bottle for those crabgrass seedlings that pop up in driveway and sidewalk cracks.  Mulching planting beds is a good way to make the weeds easier to pull and keep them from getting out of control, but make sure you mulch a clean bed (mulching over weeds won't make them go away).  However, mulching can prohibit seedlings from desirable plants from setting.  Plants such as columbine may want to set seeds but won't do so easily in mulch (and I say this as I've only had one columbine plant for years and I keep hoping for seedlings, but see none and you can tell that my little columbine gets lost in the ajuga when it blooms, so I'd really like to see a couple more plants).

If hand pulling weeds remember not to toss the weeds into your compost as you may end up with weed seedlings if using your finished compost as a top dressing in the garden.  I will always keep my pulled weeds in my brush recycling for drop off at the local facility.  If using compost in a deep hole for planting trees and shrubs, then by all means throw in the weeds, I don't imagine that they could possible work their way back up.

As an aside, a few years ago I bought a "gardening" book aimed at providing tips for maintaining your yard and garden with minimal time and care.  I was game at looking at some suggestions to save time and effort but was quickly disappointed.  The author had some questionable tips, such as learn to love your weeds.  Well, I do agree that a lot of plants walk that fine line between desirable plant and weed (johnny jump-ups, forget-me-nots, bachelor buttons, to name a few) but I don't think complacency is the answer.  It was probably the only gardening book I ever owned that I quickly gave away to Goodwill as I could find no redeeming advice in it.