Current Conditions
The weather so far this month has actually been quite pleasant and mild, with some hot and humid days and some cool, breezy ones thrown in for good measure. Although the average rain amounts across the region have been moderate with a little less than an inch of accumulated precipitation, some areas experienced unsettled weather including some strong thunderstorms. Lawns are thriving and green, with mowing being a regular necessity. The continuing gradually warming temperatures have allowed for extended bloom periods and are now forcing some stubborn woody and herbaceous plants into bloom. Of course, some less than desirable plants are also thriving in warming pre-summer conditions.
Uprooting Undesirables
Eradication may be achieved through treatment or removal depending on the point in the plant’s life cycle and the severity of the problem. Your arborist can assist you with determining which method will be appropriate and effective for removal and control of weeds found on your property. Discussed below are several varieties of weeds highly visible at this time. This is not an all-inclusive list, your arborist can identify weeds on your property and evaluate control methods.
Garlic mustard is common weed and highly invasive species in our region. It can quickly invade and take over. Treatment at this time will help control second year plants before they go to seed as well as first year seedlings. Seedlings at this time will be next year’s flowering plants.
Yellow nutsedge has made its presence known in lawns and beds. If you see this weed in your lawn, call your arborist as soon as possible, early summer is a good time to get control.
Japanese knotweed has grown to its mature height in most places, prior to flowering later in the season. Chemical treatment may not be effective at this time, but manual removal or cutback is still a viable option. Consult with your arborist to determine how to gain control over Japanese knotweed on your property.
