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Cherry
> Year-Round IPM Program > Dormant > Survey
for Weeds
 Cherry
Survey
for Weeds—Dormant
By surveying weeds in early winter, you can identify weed species
that escaped fall management, perennial species present, and
if herbicides were used, the need to change to another herbicide,
or timing of future herbicide treatments. Winter monitoring will
also identify any winter species that are emerging.
Ideally tree rows are weed free, whereas weeds growing in row
middles can reduce water quality problems by preventing soil
erosion and water and sediment runoff to creeks and streams.
However, perennial weeds are problematic and should be kept from
establishing in row middles.
How to survey your orchard
- Survey your orchard after the first rains of the fall when
winter annuals have germinated.
- Use either a numeric scale
from 1 to 5 (1 being the lightest, 5 being the heaviest), or
rate as "light," "medium," or "heavy."
- Look for winter annual weeds in tree rows to check the effectiveness
of any preemergent herbicide applications.
- Pay particular attention to perennials and check for regrowth
of perennials a few weeks after cultivation.
- Sketch a map of the orchard and mark areas with major weed
infestations for follow-up control action, noting carefully
the location of weeds producing seed.
- Indicate the growth stage of the weed (seedling or mature).
- Keep records of your survey results for future management
decisions.
Survey information collected over a period of years tells you
how weed populations may change and how effective your management
operations have been over the long term. By knowing which species
are present, you will be able to make appropriate decisions on
cultural and chemical controls.
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