In some cases, however, vines are a problem under tree canopies and chemical weed control is required. Middles may be chopped, diced, mechanically mowed or chemically mowed. Again, non-cultivation chemical programs may be used for control of weeds in the middles with contact or systemic materials being used. Economics will frequently determine the combinations of methods to be used for best overall weed control. The coastal and flatwoods areas are characterized by inherently poorly drained soils where drainage is improved by ditching and bedding.
Trees growing in such soils usually have shallow root systems.
Young Groves Use herbicides in tree rows and mowers or wipers in row middles. Cultivation equipment should not be used in middles as it can cause extensive pruning of surface root systems. Vegetation outside the herbicide strips should not be eliminated in bedded groves due to the threat of erosion. Mature Groves Limited chemical weed control may be required if trees are shading out weed growth in tree rows. This condition, however, is unlikely in most cases due to the presence of climbing vines and missing trees, or trees with thin canopies which allow light penetration and subsequent return of weed growth.