Turf Management Around Trees

Turf Management Around Trees

Damn turf!
Joseph Murray

A pesticide warning sign planted on a lawn in Northwest Washington D.C.

Turf & trees...
They don't get along. Why? They are attempting to exploit the same area (top few inches of soil). They compete for light, water, and space. Turf releases allelopathic chemicals to suppress tree root growth. Who wins? Neither, they both suffer. What's the solution? Keep them separated! Mulch over the tree root zone - if you're serious about your tree's health you will mulch to the dripline and beyond!

Topics we will discuss in class:

Irrigation Conflicts
Fertilization Conflicts
RoundUp
Contact v. Systemic
Mode of Action
Drift
Volatilization
Application (sprayers)

Dealing with invasive species:

Japanese Knotweed - here's a wonderful resource Japanese Knotweed Control Methods

Links

PAN Pesticides Database - The PAN Pesticides Database is your one-stop location for current toxicity and regulatory information for pesticides.
Perhaps an oversimplification, but here's a pretty good procedure from RoundUp's web page concerning the application of herbicides around trees.
Here's an entire book (on-line) that you can download to help you control weeds. The Nature Conservancy's Weed Control Methods
Responsibilities of Pesticide Applicators in Virginia.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Regulatory Services - Pesticides.
More information of technical information on pesticides from VA Tech's Cooperative Extension.