Cool-season perennial grasses such as brome and fescue are highly desired as forage, but are a serious weed problem in tree plantings. Weeds and grasses have well-developed root systems and are capable of utilizing most of the available soil moisture, leaving little for the young tree seedlings. Certain grasses have the ability to reduce tree growth by as much as two-thirds. Control of competing weeds is essential during early years of seedling establishment. The minimum establishment period is three years on good sites, but will be longer on poorer sites and with slower growing trees.
Weed competition reduces growth and vigor of young seedlings and often results in mortality.
Weeds also provide fuel for fire and create ideal cover for mice, rabbits, and other small mammals that feed on young trees. The methods you choose to control competing vegetation will be influenced by factors such as available manpower and equipment, size of the planting, topography, susceptibility of the soil to erosion, tree species planted, and the type of weeds present. Since no single method works best in all situations, you may wish to consider mechanical, chemical, mulches, weed barrier fabric, and using a combination of methods. Mechanical Cultivation is the most effective method of mechanical weed control. Cultivation equipment includes disc, roto-tiller, hoe, Weed Badger, and others.