Our yard has a fenced off dog run in which weeds flourish (we don't have a dog but I assume the former owner's dogs left it well fertilized!). These weeds are large, tough, and fast growing (e.g. thistles, sumac). Usually we apply a strong weed killer each year but now we have a child who will be playing nearby (not in the dog run but in the adjacent yard). Is it safe to apply herbicides in the area or is there another method to prevent weeds? We are hoping to avoid hand pulling because that would be a huge chore since the weeds would keep coming back. Thanks!

Hi Kristine, I'm not sure I understand if this is in grass or just left to weeds (mulched perhaps). If there is nothing there you want to keep you could apply a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate sold as roundup to the actively growing weeds. wait two weeks for weeds to die then reseed or resod. once the spray is dry it is safe to be around. Read and follow all label directions. as long as there is open soil you will get weeds so it needs to be in plant cover of some kind or mulched. good luck, sandy