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Part 4: Improving Weed
Management in Young Trees (Late Summer/Fall)
Previous articles have explored different tactics to manage weeds
in the first orchard year. By late summer, we often see weed escapes
and some problem areas that need attention. Here are 3 more suggestions
to help reduce and manage weeds in young trees:
- Mow weed escapes to reduce seed shed: By September, further
herbicide treatments are not very effective, and may be dangerous
to trees as they harden off and store carbohydrates in their roots.
Some weeds may have shed seeds, but many others will continue
through the fall so mowing can reduce this.
- Manage mulches: Where organic mulch like straw, sawdust or wood
chips were applied, extra care is required to prevent rodent damage
(pulling back from the trunks, mowing sod to assist bird predation,
applying baits). Fall may allow time to apply or enhance your
mulch layer, but it needs to be well composted to avoid quick
N release. Plastic mulches may need some edge touch-up by mowing
or spot treatments.
- Spot treat perennial weeds: Investing in spot treatment equipment
like a hand sprayer, wick wiper, hand flamer and/or herbicide
dripper/selector may be the best use of your money. Be sure to
also invest some time in walking and treating patches of weeds.
For directed glyphosate treatments, wait for the most sensitive
stage of the weed and apply the high rates listed on the label
for perennial weeds.
- Fall orchard cleanup: Annual fall applications of 2,4-D at a
postharvest timing will reduce many broadleaf weeds, and are safe
in the fall of planting year. Spot applications of glyphosate
on quackgrass are very effective in the fall - but care is needed
to avoid tree trunks.
It's been a busy year, establishing a new orchard, and weeds have
likely given you a challenge every month along the way. Remember
that your goal is improved tree growth, which will result in earlier
yields and better fruit size. These last final touch-up steps will
set your orchard up for reduced weed problems next spring and in
the following years.
Related Links:
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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