Weeding
Weeds are fast-growing, fast-moving, and fast-reproducing plants that tend to dominate
growing space. They can sap resources from the tree, stressing it unnecessarily.
Tools
- Gloves
- Trowels
- Garbage bags
- Weeders
Guidelines
- Identify the plant as a weed.
Visit Rutgers Weeds - Wear gloves. When removing weeds, take out the entire root system. Leaving behind some of the plant will allow the weed to grow back. Use trowels or weeders to dig out stubborn roots.
- Put the plant and its roots into a garbage bag, or compost it.
- Dispose of trash properly.
- Do not use a weed whacker or lawn mower next to a tree. They can damage the bark and weaken a tree.
- Reduce herbicide use near a tree and in surrounding lawn.
- When weeding, be on the lookout for poison ivy and any hazardous trash in the soil.
- Try to remove weeds before they flower and spread seeds.
- Weeds are easier to pull when the ground is wet. If the ground is dry and the weeds are stubborn, soak the ground with water first.
If you find white wood aster growing under your tree, consider keeping it rather than pulling it. It is a native wildflower that will eventually form an attractive ring around the tree. Plus, it will produce pretty white flowers for several weeks each fall.