Herbicides should be considered for most commercial plantings. Herbicides are used primarily to reduce the weed problem in the row area itself. Weed growth between the rows can be minimized with early establishment of sod and regular mowing. Controlling perennial weeds before planting brambles is important to minimize competition between the crop and the weeds during the establishment year and later years of production. Uncontrolled weed growth in the planting also exacerbates disease problems in brambles by minimizing air movement through the plantation, thereby maintaining higher moisture levels on foliage and stems of the crop.
Perennials are difficult and costly to control once a crop has been planted.
When used in combination with tillage, Roundup or Touchdown applied directly to perennial weed foliage before plowing and planting is the most effective means to control perennials. Herbicide application must be timed correctly and the correct rate used. The treatments given here will provide the best control of perennials and will control emerged annual weeds as well. Quack Grass Quack grass and many broadleaf perennial weeds are best controlled with fall herbicide applications. Do not plow after harvest.