How Can I Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in My Orchard?
Asked by NatureLover92
I started a small orchard last year and laid down cardboard with thick mulch to help suppress the weeds. I also planted cowpeas and crimson clover for ground cover. However, as spring arrived, Bermuda grass took over, overwhelming both the mulch and the ground cover, and now it's flourishing alongside sandburs and goatweed. I'm really worried about how this grass is impacting the moisture and nutrients my trees need. Can anyone offer advice on how to combat this Bermuda grass, especially since I'm dealing with half an acre in the heat of central Texas?
Answers
Sorry to break it to you, but Bermuda grass is relentless! Its roots can stretch really far underground, and mowing just keeps it at bay, but you'll need herbicide intervention to fully eliminate it. Don't feel like a failure if you can’t pull it all out—that stuff is tough to manage!
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If you're considering herbicides, Fusillade generally does a good job controlling Bermuda in orchards.
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The best method I've found is to pull it out by hand. Get a Hori knife and start removing the grass above ground. Once you dig down a bit, try to pull out the roots as well. Just keep checking back—any little bits left can sprout up again! Glyphosate isn’t very effective on Bermuda since it has a lot of nodules that can regrow.
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Honestly, it's tough to manage Bermuda grass organically. Hand removal could be around 60% effective at best. If you're open to it, a couple of applications of glyphosate mixed at 2.5% can effectively kill it when applied at the right growth stage.
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I’ve had some success with field sorrel; it can outcompete Bermuda. It’s not native, but it’s known to support a local butterfly species.
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TreeHugger101: I’ve heard about fusillade herbicide being okay for young orchards. I’ll definitely keep researching options!
NatureLover92: Wait, you’d actually use glyphosate right under the trees?