In the midst of the green panorama of upright blades,
uniform in height and color, standing in unison as if called to attention,
lurking in the shadows, menaces a formidable foe and advisory, the weed.
Landscapers everywhere will agree that no on thing can destroy the aesthetic
balance of turf more than a few strategically growing weeds. Not only are
they very unsightly but also compete furiously with grass plants for available
water and nutrients, thus resulting in the thinning of desirable plant cover.
Classification of these weeds is made by dividing them into two classes,
monocots, and dicots. Monocots emerging with a single leaf and dicots emerging
with 2 seed leaves. Examples of these types of weeds are as follows:
Monocots- (termed as weedy grasses) include such plants as crabgrass,
annual bluegrass, tall fescue and quack grass Dicots- (termed as broadleaf
weeds) include plants such as dandelion, clover, ground ivy, knotweed,
and plantain.
Weedy grasses and broadleaf weeds are further divided into groups according
to the plant's life span. Perennial weeds have a life of more than 2 years
Biennial weeds have a life of approximately 2 years, generally storing
up food reserves in the leaves and root the first year and producing seed
in the second.
Annual weeds germinate from seed, grow, flower, and produce seed in less
than 1 year. Broken down even further, summer annuals germinate in spring
and mature in fall, whereas winter annuals germinate in fall or later
winter an mature in spring
For effective control, and management, several things need to be taken
into consideration, first the question needs to be answered as to why
there is a problem to begin with. Improper soil compaction etc. after
this has been determined, regular ion of cultural practices may commence,
these include:
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Raising the mowing height
Changing the frequency of mowing
Adjusting the time periods between irrigation
Increase or decrease of application of fertilizer
Aeration of soil.
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Another measure that can be taken to affect weed control is the usage
of herbicides. Herbicides themselves can be broken down into several categories
as follows.
Pre-emergent- Herbicides affect the germinating seeds Most effective
against annual weeds, pre emergent should be applied 2-3 weeks before
weed seeds germinate Post-emergent- Used mainly to eliminate weeds after
plant is up and growing. Most post-emergent must be absorbed through the
leaves. Liquid sprays work better than dry granular materials. Liquid
chemicals however are more practical for homeowner use.
Post-emergent herbicides are broken down into several categories:
Selective post-emergent are used to control annual biennial and perennial
broadleaf weeds. They kill many broadleaf weeds without damaging grass
plants. However, these herbicides can severely damage or kill trees,
shrubs and flowers thus they should be used with great caution around
these plants
Non-selective post-emergent, these kill all plants, both desirable and
undesirable. Used to spot treat perennial grassy weeds that are not affected
by selective herbicides.
Pre-emergent or selective pre-emergent granular materials may be applied
with a fertilizer spreader. The spreader must be set or calibrated to
apply at only recommended rates. The preferred recommended method of application
is to apply one-half recommended rate in on e direction. Compressed air
sprayers or sprayers attached to a garden hose are effective for liquid
applications
Pre-emergent or selective pre-emergent granular materials may be applied with a fertilizer spreader. The spreader must be set or calibrated to apply at only recommended rates. The preferred recommended method of application is to apply one-half recommended rate in on e direction. Compressed air sprayers or sprayers attached to a garden hose are effective for liquid applications
The following weeds are best controlled by selective post-emergent herbicides.
The following weeds are best controlled by selective post-emergent herbicides.
