We can select ornamentals that are resistant to insects or adjust cultural conditions to prevent the disease from occurring, but weeds are an ever-present presence in the landscape. There will always be some species that thrive in any environment created. There are several effective weed control methods.
1. First identify
There are many great herbicides available today, but it is always best to identify the weed before spraying. Many species are resistant to or can’t be controlled with the most common herbicides.
Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) is a well-known example of a weed that has developed resistance. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua), however, is a common misidentified weed and can be difficult to control with the available options. You can save time and effort by first identifying the problem and then selecting the right herbicide or another strategy for it.
2. Learn about the life cycle of the weed and how it spreads
Knowing how a particular weed spreads is important for selecting a weed control strategy. It can also help you determine how serious the problem could be if you wait too long. Some species, like spurges (Euphorbia. spp.) Preemergence herbicides may be an important part of a successful control strategy because they can only spread via seeds.
Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle spp) is another weed. These weeds spread mostly by rhizomes which indicate that systemic postemergence herbicides may be required. Other species include woodsorrel (Oxalis. spp.). There are other species, such as woodsorrel (Oxalis spp.), that can be spread via seed, rhizomes, or spores. Each infestation will require a multi-faceted approach. This information will assist you in planning, preparing, and building a better program.
3. Make sure you use the right mulch
Mulch can reduce weed growth in any kind of material, including pine bark, pine straw, and rock. Mulch is not all created equal. You have the option to choose a coarse mulch, such as pinebark mininuggets or pinestraw. These mulches are more suitable for weed control Conway SC because they last longer and dry faster after rain or irrigation.
Finely shredded wood and other organic materials, on the other hand, can still be effective. However, we see about a 40% increase of weed germination when mulch materials are placed on top. This is because these materials retain a lot more water for a longer time (Figure 1). The mulch should retain moisture in the soil and not just in the mulch.
4. Preemergence herbicides are recommended.
Many landscape maintenance and pest control companies are afraid to spray preemergence herbicides near a landscape planting area. However, they don’t hesitate to send in a crew to spot-spray rose beds with glyphosate. This could have dire consequences on a hot day. Although preemergence herbicides can cause serious problems if used improperly, many of the most popular options for turfgrass can be applied to hundreds of ornamental plants. They are much safer for ornamentals than most people realize. In addition, they have been shown to reduce maintenance costs significantly by eliminating the need to spray multiple times throughout the year, especially in the summer.
5. When necessary, use over-the-top alternatives
There will be instances when additional postemergence herbicides are required, depending on plant spacing and ornamental growth habits. One example of this would be perennial grasses growing through ornamental weeds or poking through shrub leaves (Figure 2). There are few options for broadleaf herbicides. However, ornamental grasses such as junipers and liriope are more tolerant than most ornamentals.
6. Do not rely too heavily on one postemergence herbicide
No one herbicide can control all weeds. This is the Number 1 rule of weed control Carolina Forest. As you would with insecticides or fungicides, rotate through the different postemergence herbicides. This will give you a better overall control and also prevent/delay the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. It also allows for some extra applications (e.g., method #5).
7. Examine irrigation practices, maintenance practices, and cultural conditions
Weeds love to fill in the gaps. Nature doesn’t like voids. In landscapes, weeds can be secondary invaders. They are most often found in areas that have poor mulch, are too close together, or are difficult to establish groundcover species. Incorrect fertilization, over- or under-application of irrigation, and mowing at too low/high rates can all lead to increased weed pressure. Maintaining a healthy landscape will make it more resistant to weeds.
8. Groundcovers should not be ignored
Non-turf groundcovers are a low-maintenance option for landscapes. However, postemergence herbicides may be limited so areas that have been planted with species such as liriope or monograss, creeping Junipers, Asiatic jasmine, sedums, or monograss can quickly become overrun by weeds. These areas are not suitable for postemergence herbicides, but many preemergence herbicides can be used. It is possible to plant certain species densely during installation, which can reduce establishment time and reduce weed growth.
9. Create a program and use herbicides in a rotation
Different weeds are more problematic at different times throughout the year. Therefore, different herbicides may be required at different times. You should identify the most troublesome weeds each season, and then design your program around them, using pre and/or postemergence herbicides, as needed.
10. All tactics can be combined and used in an integrated way
The best results will be achieved by combining non-chemical and synthetic options. A holistic approach that combines tactics 1 through 9 will help to control weeds in any landscape.
Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now and let our team of experts help you with your lawn care problems.
Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/