QuestionQUESTION: Dear Sir,
I have a simple question, but yet can't seem to find a simple answer. I have 6 acres of which one has Bermuda Tiffway 419 grass planted. The remaining five acres have Common Bermuda planted. Both have are in their second growing season.
In both cases the grasses are doing well. However, I have a multitude of weeds in my yard (where the Tiffway 419 is) and I seem to growing other types of grasses in pasture (in addition to my common bermuda).
Here's where I need some help;
1) I want to elimiate the weeds in my yard. Most of them seem to be grab grass - but there are others.
2) I would like to eliminate all non bermuda / non tiffway grasses all together.
3) I have about 150 trees that I do want to harm (oaks, pecans, pines, etc). About 20 of those trees are about 18 months old.
Would you have any advise on the best way for me achive my goals as outlined above?
P.S. I don't have a fertilizer problem, however I would welcome any advise of a good overall product that is effective and safe for the environment.
Joe Daigle
Montgomery, Texas 77316 (North of the Houston area)
ANSWER: Questions can be simple; answers are hardly ever so. If you know the poular saying about 'fooling all the people some of the time' then substitute 'kill' for fool and 'weeds' for people and you will understand that weed control is an ongoing exercise or pastime. "Trimec" is a brand name chemical, available to homeowners for use on bermuda. The product does contain 2.4D which is harmful to all broadleaf plants. Your trees will be vulnerable to any drift from 2.4D.
Some states regulate the application of volatile chemicals so I will advise you to check first.
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QUESTION: Thanks so much for replying - and I like the sence of humor... Just so that I understand - Trimec is product I can use on my Bermuda Tiffway and my Common Bermuda to;
a) control / kill weeds
b) kill non bermuda grasses
c) be careful with it's application for it will be harmful to trees.
Do I have that correct?
Answer Sorry Joe, it is not as absolute as you and I would like it to be. It is all comparative, or relative, as my extensive, extended family always reminds me.
A weed killer is first of all, a plant killer. The manufacturer has formulated it and given directions for its use. Stay within their recommendations and the chemical will be effective; go outside of those recommendations and all bets are off.
"Trimec" is a brand-name product which contains three related compounds. They will kill a large number of broad-leaf plants and some true grasses when properly applied. Rate, weather conditions and stage of growth of the target plants are the chief considerations. If you go to the PBI Gordon website you will see at least six formulations, each with a difference in labelling. It is your responsibility and yours alone, to choose the formulation that best fits your needs.
From where I sit, I can share with you whatever knowledge and experience I possess but in the final analysis, when you are out there, alone and on your honor, trying your best to have a nice lawn, the rest of us - people, animals and plants - are relying on your integrity.
Integrity has been defined as "doing the right thing even when no one is looking".
I'd rephrase your summary this way:
a)Control most broadleaf weeds and some true grass weeds.
b)Kill some non-bermuda grasses.
c)Be careful around desirable plants especially trees and shrubs.
