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Survey Weeds—Bloom to Postbloom

By surveying weeds in late spring, you can identify any species that escape control from earlier management and know what perennials are present. If herbicides were used, surveying identifies any need for changing to another herbicide.

Weeds in tree rows must be managed. Annual weeds in row middles may be beneficial, but before shaking weeds must be managed to provide a clean and smooth orchard floor.

Use the late spring weed survey form (PDF* 17K) to record your weed observations in order to make weed management decisions. Keep these records so that you can track weed population information from year to year to better understand ongoing weed control problems such as resistance.

How to survey your fields:

• Survey your orchard in late spring or early summer, after summer annuals have germinated.
• If you use cultivation for weed control, monitor at least 2 weeks before you plan to cultivate.
• Pay particular attention to perennials. Check for regrowth of perennials a few weeks after cultivation.
• Sketch a diagram of the orchard and mark areas where perennials are found.
• Keep records of your survey results. By knowing what species are present, you will be able to make appropriate decisions on cultural and chemical controls.

Information collected over a period of years tells you how weed populations may be changing and how effective your management operations have been. This way you can return and see how well your weed management actions are working.

Important links:

• Summer annual weeds you may see
• Perennial weeds you may see
• Late spring weed survey form (PDF* 17K)
• Integrated weed management from the weed pest management guidelines

*You need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4 or later to view or print this PDF. If this software is not installed on your computer, you can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.