Basics On Herbicide Use

Wild Garlic - spring weed

Dandelion

Herbicides are vegetation killers. They kill weeds and occasionally, if applied incorrectly, damage the good plants. A weed is any plant that you don’t want in the garden.

Avoid spraying on windy days or on hot days over 85 °F as chemical herbicides can drift or volatilize, injuring nearby garden plants. Warm summer temperatures increase the possibility of lawn injury from certain herbicides. It should not rain within 24 hours after application. Don't mow a few days before and 2-3 days following an application. Wait 3-4 mowings before treating a newly seeded lawn with any herbicide.

There may be 3 different kinds of weeds you’re trying to control: grasses, broadleaf types and sedges. Broadleaf weeds include dandelions, spotted spurges, buckthorns, purslanes and thistles. Fall and late winter (before new leaves emerge) are safe times to spray broadleaf herbicides. Most deciduous shrubs and trees are shedding their leaves and are less susceptible to the spray drift.

Spring and early summer herbicide applications will not control perennial and woody vegetation such as brambles or poison ivy. Wait until mid-summer to tackle these tough weeds.

For a contact broadleaf  herbicide to work, outdoor temperatures need to be 60 °F and higher over a 6 hour interval for the spray to be absorbed into the plant. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for herbicides to work.

Finally, heavy weed invasion in lawns may be evidence of poor mowing practices, low soil fertility, or too much shade. Knotweed and spotted surge may indicate bad soil compaction. Tough weeds are not going to give up easily and multiple applications. may be necessary. 

Always read and understand the package directions before using.

Korean Sweetheart Tree

Bright Red Fruits of Sweetheart Tree

The late Dr. J. C. Raulston, N.C. State University horticulture professor emeritus, discovered Korean sweetheart tree in 1985 on the Korean Peninsula while participating in a U.S. National Arboretum collection expedition. 

Dr. Raulston brought seeds back to the N.C. State Arboretum for assessment and evaluation. The common name "sweetheart tree" was coined by Tennessee nurseryman Mr. Don Shadow.

The tree prefers a sandy or medium loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. Once established the tree tolerates brief dry periods lasting 4-5 weeks, and is at its best in soils with consistent and even moisture. Provide supplemental irrigation in regions where summers are exceptionally hot and dry.

Opposite pinnately compound leaves measure 6-10 inches long. The fruits are major asset for this small growing tree/large tree. In late summer showy clusters of heart-shaped fruits ripen from green to pink to red. In early to mid-October the fruit capsules split open to reveal a tiny, shiny, black seed.The grayish colored bark has white striations which adds some winter interest.

No serious disease and insect problems trouble this small 25-30 feet tall tree. Availability is primarily from on-line plant nurseries