The program for the control of annual weeds in the orchard should consider the weed free strip under the tree and the sod middles between the tree rows separately. The “Weed Control Season” in orchards starts in late fall, after harvest.  The program implemented in the spring depends on what herbicides were applied the previous fall.   If herbicides were applied in late fall, applications can be delayed until later in the spring.  Residual herbicides should be applied in late winter or early spring after the soil is no longer frozen, if no late fall treatment was applied. [Read more…]

Managed sod row middles have many advantages, and have been adopted by many tree fruit growers.  A perennial fescue sod does not attract insects pests, is not an alternate host for harmful nematodes, and provides shelter for beneficial insects.  The sod provides a firm drive path for spring spraying of insecticides and fungicides, prevent or reduce soil erosion, and improve soil tilth by increasing soil organic matter.  Control broadleaf weeds in the sod to eliminate bloom in the orchard  throughout the spring and summer, which will attract beneficial pollinators into the orchard when the trees are not in bloom and insecticides are being applied. Control weeds in the sod in early spring or in the fall after harvest. [Read more…]