Herbicides That Can Be Used Around Tree Plantings

Herbicides are chemicals used to target problem plants. These weeds can be invasive species which threaten to take over your garden or lawn. They can be plants which can harm other species in your yard by acting as host species for parasites. Currants and gooseberries, for example, are hosts to pine blister rust, a deadly disease which affects white pines. There are limitations on the type of herbicides in which you can use around tree plantings, but some options exist.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

You should apply pre-emergent herbicides prior to the germination of weeds in the spring or fall. These pesticides target grasses and broadleaf weeds. A broadleaf plant is one in which the width is a larger ratio than the thin blade of a grass.

These herbicides work without harming tree plantings because their active ingredients attack certain enzymes or physiological processes only present in these types of plants. Cornell University explains that these pesticides are effective for weed control in fruit orchards, vineyards, forest plantations and other tree plantings.

Selective Herbicides

Selective herbicides will kill only certain plants or types of plants. Pesticides registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will have labeling which indicates how the product can be used and what pests it will target.

For tree plantings, you can use a selective herbicide labeled for tree planting use. Some selective herbicides, however, can only be used around certain tree species, warns North Dakota State University. You may be advised to use other products only on tree plantings of certain age.

Granular Post-Emergent Herbicides

The advantage of using granular, post-emergent herbicides is that you have greater control over the application. Post-emergent means that you will apply these after the weeds have germinated. Because the plants are identifiable, you can target the specific weeds which may out-compete your tree plantings.

You will also minimize the risk of harming your trees due to drift from spray applications. This is an important feature if you are using a non-selective pesticide. A non-selective pesticide is one which can potentially harm any organism or plant which comes in contact with it.

Non-Residual Herbicides

Some herbicides will persist in the soil long after application. It is for this reason that you may want to consider using a non-residual herbicide, advises the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Tree plantings are vulnerable when first planted due to their age and the stress of relocation. This may make them more vulnerable to the destructive nature of some herbicides, especially non-selective agents.