Unchecked weed growth will weaken young trees, slow their growth and often kill them. Until recently, most growers of forest plantations relied on herbicides to keep their plantations weed-free. Treated bands in tree rows with alfalfa left between rows. Integrated Vegetation Management integrates several practices in combination to minimize weed competition.
Experiments are also underway to test the value of mulches and protective tubes.
The weed-free band is maintained and the grass between the rows is mowed once or twice per year until the crowns start to touch each other. This integrated approach to weed control is what is meant by integrated vegetation management. Tilling can often be used over an entire planting area on level ground, or in contour bands in erodible terrain. A single moldboard plowing will kill alfalfa and most perennial grasses. Disking between the tree rows can be an effective means of controlling weeds after planting.