Part 4: Improving Weed Management in Young Trees (Late Summer/Fall)

In the last 3 issues, we have explored 8 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:

• Control weed escapes as needed: Where residual herbicides were applied, a 2nd application is usually needed after 8 to 12 weeks. Where no residual herbicides are used e.g. using Gramoxone, flaming or tillage, weed escapes will need to be controlled every 2 to 4 weeks. Avoid tree trunks with these treatments, especially if the bark is green. Plastic tree guards can help avoid drift problems but don't give 100% safety. Using glyphosate is not recommended on first year trees as it can be absorbed through the bark. Gramoxone can also damage green bark trees, especially stone fruits. Grass herbicides like Poast or Venture can be safely applied on tree trunks, and Basagran + Assist or Lontrel are registered on first year trees in Canada for broadleaf weeds.
  
• 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

• Part 1: Why Improve Weed Management in Young Trees and Vines?
• Part 2: Improving Weed Management in Young Trees (Preplant/early spring)
• Part 3: Improving Weed Management in Young Trees (Spring/early summer)
  

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