Fall Orchard Cleanup

What a harvest season we've had this fall! Sunshine, warm temperatures, adequate soil moisture - and most orchards have lots of actively growing weeds. Once harvest is done, and juice apples picked up, it's time to think about getting the orchards mowed and managing those weeds.

Basically two types of herbicides can be quite effective now:

• Systemic herbicides (eg. glyphosate, or Amitrol) will be very effective at this time of year for perennial weeds. Perennials have been building strong root reserves and systemic herbicides applied now will move to the roots. Even after a few frosts, these products can be quite effective, especially on quackgrass (limit is around -4ºC). However, be vary cautious around fruit trees and other valuable perennials like grape - severe injury can result at this time if herbicides are moved to tree roots.
  
• Hormonal herbicides (eg. 2,4-D Amine, or Lontrel) are also most effective on actively growing weeds, and fall is actually the best timing for excellent control. In orchard trials, we applied 2,4-D as late as Nov. 12 and achieved excellent control of dandelions. Wait for good weather conditions to avoid drift when applying this orchard clean-up.

However it is way too early for Casoron herbicide, which requires cool, moist soil. Wait until the end of November in the east, and as late as Christmas in the southwest (depends on the weather, of course!). Casoron is a good choice where many perennial weeds are a problem, and when the spring workload does not allow adequate time to get herbicides applied in early May.

So take advantage of the continued warm weather to mow orchard sods, clean up weed problems and start out on the right foot for next year.

It's time to think about getting the orchards mowed and managing those weeds