Planter Bed Weed Control

There are generally two kinds of weeds that occur in planter beds. Those that germinate from airborne seeds that blow in and those that arise from stolons found in the sub- soil. Those arising from stolons are most frequently coarse, persistent grasses commonly referred to as "runner grasses" because of their tendency to send out underground runners that flush with growth every few inches. Extracting these grasses is difficult, as they tend to break off underground leaving the viable stolon intact. Since herbicides like "Round Up" are drawn into the plant system and eventually destroy the entire weed, in most weed types, this chemical control is most effective in eradicating stolons.

 The airborne seeds that blow in and infect mulch areas may be controlled in a number of ways. These seeds may be prevented from germinating with use of a pre-emergent herbicide. If a pre-emergent is not used, the weeds may be pulled out or sprayed with Roundup as they appear. It is recommended to eliminate bed weeds on a regular basis to prevent a strenuous clean-up project.

Barking

 Bark or other suitable mulches Steer-co are effective in weed reduction and water conservation. It is recommended to maintain mulch to a depth of 2" in all planting areas. Remember to keep bark mulch thickness very minimal in and around the trunk and base of trees/shrubs.