The essential elements needed for plant growth (sunlight, soil nutrients, and moisture) are limited and all plants compete for them. If owners and managers want to maximize the rewards of their hard and soft mast plants, they must eliminate or at least reduce competition. Chestnut Hill Outdoors offers tips and information on the best way to achieve this.
mechanical removal
One obvious and straightforward way is to physically remove all grass and weeds down to bare soil in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the base of each tree. This competition-free zone can be maintained by adding mulch or matting. In addition to retarding the later growth of weeds, this also moderates extreme soil temperatures and improves soil moisture retention.
Chemical removal
Another approach is to apply glyphosate-based broad-spectrum systemic herbicides. They are more effective and less labor intensive, but require special care as they can be absorbed by trees and shrubs if not applied correctly.
Chestnut Hill Outdoors offers the following herbicide application recommendations:
- Apply during the growing season. Glyphosate-based herbicides are systemically absorbed growth inhibitors and will be most effective during periods of peak growth.
- Cut or cut the area first. Wait a week to 10 days and spray after vigorous weed growth begins. This increases the amount of herbicide absorbed by weeds, resulting in a more effective application.
- Use culture tubes. They protect trees from accidental absorption while improving the microenvironment around those trees and protecting their bark from insect and rodent pests.
- Apply only when there is no wind to prevent overspray or herbicides from being blown into unintended areas.
- Mix the herbicide with a colored dye to better see where it is being applied and thus avoid accidental overspray.
- Use a shield or hood on the fertilizer stick. This allows more control over where the herbicide is applied.
All previous
Mechanical and chemical weed control methods are not mutually exclusive. Each can be improved by the other. Start with weed-free zones 2 to 3 feet around the trees. As long as weeds start to recolonize, a little herbicide can go a long way.
Chestnut Hill is the best place to buy your deer feed plot and attractants because they offer a great selection, their plants are bred specifically to attract deer, and they offer customers different sized plants at different growth levels. To ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from their products, they also provide good advice and instructions on proper planting and care. For more information on Chestnut Hill Outdoors products and how to care for them, visit ChestnutHillOutdoors.com or call (855) 386-7826.
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