Weeds, Weeds Go Away
Tom Carrasco Leaf Landscaping
As we enter 2022 one of our big concerns as a landscape contractor is weeds. With the large amount of rainfall expected and the costs rising for labor, weeds will be a big factor in 2022.
Weeds, whether in the grass or in the landscape planting, all germinate at specific soil temperatures based on the type of weeds. There are a large group of weeds that germinate mid- fall, known as “winter weeds,” such as clovers. Another large group of weeds, known as “summer weeds,” such as crabgrass. Using pre-emergent herbicides and best management practic- es, timed properly, can greatly reduce weed growth. With the extreme weather changes, poor water quality, and existing weed seed population in our soils, this is a delicate process.
What is a pre-emergent? A pre-emergent herbicide is a 1- to 2-inch-deep chemical barrier in the soil that kills the seedling before it can turn into a weed. In most cases this kill happens before a weed can even be seen.
Proper fertilization, watering, and other management tactics must be the priority throughout the year. When given proper nutrients, water, and utilizing management practices like aera- tion, our grass and landscape will be better equipped to fight off pests. In this case, the healthier your grass and plants are, the more they can compete with weeds. Many of our grasses, plants, and trees secrete their own chemicals into the soil to re- duce weed growth as a form of natural immunity, but when they are under stress this goes away. The plants then reassign their energy to more important survival mechanisms, such as water conservation and food production.
Unfortunately, in our poor-quality native soils and even worse quality irrigation water, especially in reclaimed water sourc- es, our grasses, plants, and trees are usually under stress.
In conjunction with the water restrictions, old irrigation systems and other potential poor management opportunities we all face, excessive weed growth will be a critical problem in 2022.
Again, with our soils and poor water quality, proper manage- ment of our landscape is key. Pre-emergent herbicides can be part of this management process if timed right. Crabgrass, one of the major weeds in our lawns, germinates when the soil tem- perature reaches 59°F. If we apply the pre-emergent herbicide after the soil reaches or exceeds this temperature, then it will not work. Soil temperatures can be monitored by using a soil thermometer but can vary based on the property location. This is where experience comes in.
These soil temperatures typically reach 59°F in late January to mid-February, depending on where you are in southern Califor- nia, so start planning now for next fall. This will also vary based on rainfall (more moisture in the ground regulates higher tem- peratures) and cloud cover.
Pre-emergent herbicides can be added to fertilizer so that your plants and grass get nutrients and a weed preventative all in one. These products are readily available to all landscapers with the proper licensing. The key is the timing of application. One application in the fall and one in mid-winter at the mini- mum with some additions when needed throughout the year, will greatly reduce the weeds on your property.
With labor costs on the rise, our water quality worsening and our weed seed bank increasing in the soil, we wanted to share one of our focuses for 2022. What’s in your specifications?
– M. Tom Carrasco is CEO of Leaf Landscaping. MTC Horticulture, C-27, PCA, QAL.
www.caioc.org
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