Weekly Word on Weeds

This is the first article this season from Dr.Joe Neal, weed scientist with the Horticulture Department from NC State University.


With freezing temperatures still in the forecast it is difficult to think about summer weeds. But, now is the time to begin summer annual weed management.

First line of defense: Mulches
Before ornamental plants leaf out, and herbaceous plants emerge, this is also a good time to apply a fresh layer of mulch to landscape beds. Not only does this conserve soil moisture and improve the aesthetics of the beds, it also will cover and shade weed seeds to prevent germination and establishment.

When mulches are not enough:
Preemergence herbicides work by preventing the establishment of weeds from seed. That means the herbicides must be applied several weeks before weeds germinate. Apply preemergence herbicides now to control spring-germinating weeds such as crabgrass, spurge and oxalis.

Common herbicides used in landscape beds include Barricade, Pendulum, Surflan, and Snapshot TG. Each works on summer annual grasses (like crabgrass) but differ in how well they control broadleaf weeds. Generally, Snapshot and Surflan are better on broadleaf weeds; Barricade tends to excel on spurge, pendulum may be a little better on horseweed. These herbicides also differ in their safety to ornamental plants. Granular formulations of herbicides are safer on ornamental plants than spray applications. But, when applied before budbreak, liquid applications may be made over the top of most woody ornamentals. In herbaceous ornamentals, you must be careful in your choice of herbicides. See Hort Information Leaflet No. 644 http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/landscape-index.html for more information on weed management in color beds.

Freehand – a new herbicide labeled for use in landscapes and nurseries:
Freehand is a granular combination of pendimethalin plus dimethenamid-p. It controls many summer annual weeds including crabgrass, oxalis, and spurge. It is one of the few herbicides that controls doveweed. It is also as effective as Pennant Magnum for the suppression of yellow nutsedge.

WWWeeds notes will be archived on my web site. http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jcneal/

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Erosion Control Workshop

Landscapers should be familiar with Erosion Control Options!. This workshop will focus on some of the basics to consider when performing duties as a grading contractor and/or landscaper that result in soil disturbance. Please mark your calendars and attend.
To see registration for go to: Erosion Control Workshop

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Henderson County Farmland Preservation Meetings

Interested in preserving our agriculture heritage and the farm land in Henderson County? If so come and attend one of the following meetings: Whether you are still active in agriculture, just an interested citizen, or an active farmer; these meetings will provide an opportunity to give input to keeping our agricultural lands sustainable.

February 17

Fruitland Baptist Church

Basement Fellowship Hall (or Family Life Center)

150 College Road

Turn north off Hwy 64 onto Gilliam Road

Turn right onto College Road



February 19

Refuge Baptist Church

30 Oleta Road

685-8544

Intersection of Dana/Oleta and Upward/Ridge roads



February 24

Mills River Elementary School

96 School House Road

Between Boyleston Hwy and Banner Farm Rd



February 26

Crab CreekCommunity Center

53 Jeter Mountain Road

Off Crab Creek Road



All of the above meetings will begin at 7:00. Complimentary dinner will be served at 6:00. Those wanting dinner will need to RSVP at least three days prior to the relevant meeting. RSVP to me at 697-5777 or john@carolinamountain.org No RSVP is necessary to attend the meeting. All residents of Henderson County are welcome to attend the meetings

March 4th. (3:00 p.m.)

Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center

745 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River. This meeting also open to Transylvania County residents to discuss the same issue there.


Green River meeting TBA. If you wish to attend the Green River meeting please let us know and the information will be shared with you as soon as this meeting is scheduled.






For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.