[abe]

Weed Control

This is how some folks deal with weeds.



But that certainly won't do if you imagine one day enjoying a beautiful lawn like this...

Weed Control
What you can't see now can hurt your lawn's appearance later. While your lawn lies dormant and weather conditions tend to be wetter in many areas, spring and summer weeds could be lurking in the grass. Research by the TruGreen ChemLawn Lawn and Landscape Institute reveals that lawns that have been thinned by disease or insects are especially susceptible to invasions of weedy grasses and broadleaf weeds.

Without taking preventive measures at the right time, you could be facing a patchwork of color and texture within your lawn. Weedy grasses often contrast greatly with desirable turfgrasses and can be difficult to eliminate once they've become established in your lawn. Broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions that rise well above the turf and produce flowers, are even more visible within a uniform carpet of green.
http://www.trugreen.com/tg/resourcec...rLawn/weed.dsp

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/weeds.html
January 21, 2000
In the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, a weed is defined as
"a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants"

For me to begin to tell you how to control and eliminate each individual weed, we would first have to come to a universal conclusion as to which plants should be included in our "official" weed list. This may begin to present problems, because one person's weed is another person's wild flower.
But then... a weed is a weed!

Bees, Ladybugs, Praying Mantis, and other insects which prey on the destructive bugs in your garden often use weeds for their shelter and food. Critters, creatures, and even small children can inadvertently come in contact with these chemicals. I feel that it is far better to deal with these unwanted plants by hand-pulling and cultivation, and by following good gardening practices. I may never have a completely weed and pest free garden, but that's ok. If there is a weed that I missed, I'll just call it a wild flower!..

I do not condemn the use of garden chemicals. I have used them, and will use them again. There are situations when using chemicals, either for insects or for weed control may become necessary. I am just not going to be the one to tell you when it is appropriate.

If you feel that it is necessary to use herbicides and weed killers in your garden, please consult an expert source on their proper use, such as Ortho. Remember, there is no single product which will kill all types of weeds, so choose and use carefully! Be sure that you are using the appropriate product for your weeds. Follow the directions exactly, and use the product sparingly (preferably, only as a direct application to a single weed, rather than over-spraying an entire area).

Weeds
The first step in controlling your weed problem is to be able to identify the plants which you consider to be weeds. (Sometimes it may be easier to identify the "keeper" plants, and eliminate everything else.) Unfortunately, by the time that some seedlings are large enough to identify as good or bad, they are also large enough to flower and scatter undesirable seeds throughout your garden. It is a good idea to have your perennial plants identified with a stake or marker, so that you will be able to quickly find their locations when they die back in the winter months. This will eliminate the chance of damaging or uprooting your valuable plants accidentally, as you are weeding.

The key to effective and quick weed control is to eradicate the weeds while they are still small. You will quickly learn by your own experience, which seedlings will grow into weeds. Once you know what to look for, it will just take a quick glance around the garden to spot an area that needs attention. As you go about your other gardening tasks, keep a cultivator handy, and if you spot a weed, take a second to "nip it in the bud"..... before it spreads.

As you gain control over the weeds, your other plants will gain the benefit of the light and the nutrients which the weeds were taking. Your plants will gain a new vigor, and their healthy new growth will help to choke out future weeds before they get a chance to grow.
By following good, basic gardening practices, most weeds can be successfully and easily controlled. Regular cultivation, the use of mulches, and a watchful eye will help to keep your garden healthy and beautiful for years to come.

IDENTIFY YOUR BROADLEAF WEEDS
http://www.trugreen.com/tg/resourcec...rLawn/weed.dsp


Like ground plantain

IDENTIFY YOUR GRASSY WEEDS
http://www.ortho.com/index.cfm/event...Search+By+Type


Dandelion

IDENTIFY YOUR WOODY PLANT TYPE OF WEED (incl. POISON IVY)
http://www.ortho.com/index.cfm/event...Search+By+Type


Poison Ivy

Supply List

This supply list makes it easy to find just what you need. Print it and bring it to your retailer. If one Ortho product isn't carried by your retailer, remember any of these solutions will help solve your problem.
Close Window
Print Window
Your Problem:
Poison Ivy
Ortho Solutions:
Ortho recommends these products for controlling Poison Ivy. Use the one that best meets your needs. Always read and follow label instructions.
 
Ortho® Brush-B-Gon® Poison Ivy Killer Concentrate
1 pt.
1 qt.
Kills poison ivy, poison oak and other tough brushy weeds
 
 
Ortho® Dial 'N Spray® Multi-Use Hose-End Sprayer
Instantly dilutes and sprays liquid weed killers, insecticides and fungicides
 
http://www.ortho.com/index.cfm/event...f037da9fd49064
================================================== ==============
Scotts® Lawn Pro® Weed and Feed

• Just one application provides essential fertilizer nutrients and incredible weed protection
• Controls more than 50 common lawn weeds (see below)
• Quick greening– usually in 4– 6 days
• Builds a stronger, lusher lawn
• Safe feeding– won’t burn when applied as directed
• Dependable control you can count on

usage
How to Use
For best results, use a Scotts spreader set to indicated label rate.
Apply on a calm day to moist grass to help particles stick to weed leaves. To help particles stick to weed leaves, the grass should be thoroughly watered or wet from dew before applying product.
If seeding, sodding, or sprigging, wait until new grass has been mowed at least four times before applying this product.
Do not water lawn for 24 hours or apply if rain is expected within 24 hours.
When to Apply

Apply anytime weeds are actively growing (when daytime temperatures are consistently above 60°F), but not before dandelions begin to bloom in the spring. Typically after the second mowing.
Where to Use

For use on Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrasses, fine fescue, and tall fescue. Not for use on St. Augustinegrass, creeping bentgrass, carpetgrass, dichondra, or lippia lawns.
Where Not to Use

Do not use this product on flowers, shrubs, fruit or vegetable plants, or on creeping bentgrass, St. Augustine, Lippia and Dichondra lawns.
What It Controls

Selective control of broadleaf weeds: aster, bittercress, black medic, bristly oxtongue, buckhorn, bull thistle, burclover, buttonweed, carpetweed, centella, chickweed, chicory, cinquefoil, clover-white, cudweed, curly dock, dichondra, dollarweed, English daisy, eveningprimrose, filaree, fleabane, ground ivy, healall, henbit, horseweed, knotweed (seedling), lambsquarters, lippia, mallow, moneywort, morningglory, mustard, pennywort, pepperweed, pigweed, plantain, prickly lettuce, puncturevine, purslane, pusley-Florida, ragweed, scarlet, pimpernel, shadflower, shepherd's purse, smartweed, sow thistle, stitchwort, thyme leaved sandwort, vetch, yellow rocket
Cautions

Do not water lawn for 24 hours after application. Do not apply when rain is expected within 24 hours.
Active Ingredients:
0.59% 2-propionic acid 1.18% 2,4-D Fertilizer Analysis: 26-0-3

http://www.scotts.com/index.cfm/even...fcf4aaf6d226e3

[Dakar]

(I have no idea what's going on here)

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

(I have no idea what's going on here)

How do you react when you spot a patch of weeds in a corner of your lawn?

You pull it. Then, when you spot another patch, you pull it. And you may continue just pulling it and staying on top of the weed infestation.

When do you go to the store and get a big bag of weed killer and do the whole lawn?

When pulling the individual clumps will prove to be too little, too late. Or, when the weeds look like they are going to spread everywhere all at once. Or when there is a dangerous growth spotted that you just can't let go any further and must stop immediately.

Or when you finally decide that all your other measures just were not going to be enough to give you the lush, beautifully green lawn you want and so you decide to just abandon any hopes of keeping things the way they are and you decide to start from scratch.

[Rumor]

I was expecting some kind of distribution plan for ganja.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Rumor

I was expecting some kind of distribution plan for ganja.

Yes. There ARE different types of weeds. Many homeowners decide, when they detect a harmful plant-like weed, like poison ivy, near their home where their children and pets play, to not only eradicate that problem but also use the opportunity to take care of other types of weeds in other parts of the lawn at the same time.

They know that once the appropriate measures have worked the whole yard will, once again, be beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

And they'll soon be able to sit on the deck while smoking a doobie and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.

[Rumor]

Originally Posted by abe

Yes. There ARE different types of weeds. Many homeowners decide, when they detect a harmful plant-like weed, like poison ivy, near their home where their children and pets play, to not only eradicate that problem but also use the opportunity to take care of other types of weeds in other parts of the lawn at the same time.

They know that once the appropriate measures have worked the whole yard will, once again, be beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

And they'll soon be able to sit on the deck while smoking a doobie and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.

What new depths has your insanity found today?

[subego]

Originally Posted by abe

The first step in controlling your weed problem is to be able to identify the plants which you consider to be weeds.

I'm against profiling bub.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Rumor

What new depths has your insanity found today?

Yes, you're right. It is insane to think that this woefully naive woman believes that with the serious weed eradication being implemented by her neighbor she can get by with just a cup of weed killer.



She had better get ready for a great many seeds to sprout in her acreage. The seeds sometimes lie dormant and then during a natural spell of sun and rain they will come up. The farmer on the tractor seems to have been foresighted enough to deal with his problem so that once he is done there will be no problem except from the seeds that might come from HER farm.

So, I guess he really should help her with her infestation, too. All at the same time.

Unless she refuses to join in his efforts.

[abe]

Originally Posted by subego

I'm against profiling bub.

From above:

In the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, a weed is defined as
"a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants"

[subego]

Originally Posted by abe

"a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants"

Just like those people who moved in next door.

My neighborhood is going to get redlined now.

Great.

[what_the_heck]

-t

[ghporter]

I yank stuff with my gloved hands (some of those undesired plants hurt when you touch them!). I don't know all of what's growing where St. Augustine should be, but it includes dandelions and some form of clover that has yellow flowers and little stickers! It gets pulled and stuffed into a container for composting - elsewhere.

[abe]

Originally Posted by subego

Just like those people who moved in next door.

My neighborhood is going to get redlined now.

Great.

Good thing you can move. Other wise your choices would be to do nothing and let the problem grow continually worse or form a group of your neighbors, who all would have to deal with the same issue sooner or later and approach the law enforcement authorities in your town and ask them to do something about these neighbors.

[abe]

Originally Posted by ghporter

I yank stuff with my gloved hands (some of those undesired plants hurt when you touch them!). I don't know all of what's growing where St. Augustine should be, but it includes dandelions and some form of clover that has yellow flowers and little stickers! It gets pulled and stuffed into a container for composting - elsewhere.

It's not the pleasantest thing to do but it's better to stay on top of the problem so it doesn't overwhelm you.

[subego]

Originally Posted by abe

Good thing you can move. Other wise your choices would be to do nothing and let the problem grow continually worse or form a group of your neighbors, who all would have to deal with the same issue sooner or later and approach the law enforcement authorities in your town and ask them to do something about these neighbors.

You can call the cops on someone for being "undesirable"?

So that's why the police keep coming to my door.

[Rumor]

Weed control: never letting the bag run empty

[abe]

Originally Posted by subego

You can call the cops on someone for being "undesirable"?

So that's why the police keep coming to my door.

We are waaay off topic here.

But, let me just say that if the neighbors behave themselves by not breaking the law or disturbing the peace or letting their property go into disrepair, any concerns you might have about the neighbors may have more to do with you than them.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Rumor

Weed control: never letting the bag run empty

If you stay on top of the matter the bag will always be added to. Weeding is an ongoing activity if you are smart, as ghporter demonstrated.

[subego]

Originally Posted by abe

We are waaay off topic here.

But, let me just say that if the neighbors behave themselves by not breaking the law or disturbing the peace or letting their property go into disrepair, any concerns you might have about the neighbors may have more to do with you than them.

Well, of course, that was what I was saying.

I imagined you were going for a wacky (yet cool) political allegory with this topic. The wackiness inspired me to respond politically to what you said literally, rather than allegorically.

This was intended purely for chuckles from all parties involved, absolutely no derail intended.

Plus I was cranky yesterday. I think I'm PMSing.

[abe]

Originally Posted by subego

Well, of course, that was what I was saying.

I imagined you were going for a wacky (yet cool) political allegory with this topic. The wackiness inspired me to respond politically to what you said literally, rather than allegorically.

This was intended purely for chuckles from all parties involved, absolutely no derail intended.

Plus I was cranky yesterday. I think I'm PMSing.

The joy of a well tended lawn is a thing that's hard to imagine. The time, money and effort necessary to achieve one makes it something many people just refuse to even start in on.

Even more people are enthusiastic about it at first, but when the costs begin to mount they lose all enthusiasm. They forget about the advantages they recognized when the project first began.
But once they start seeing a few of the original goals coming to life before their eyes that old enthusiasm returns!

[Kevin]

AAHAHHA Best thread in here yet.

If you guys aren't getting it. I don't know what to tell you.

[dcmacdaddy]

<mockery mode>
Ooh, I get it . . . you're using metaphors and stuff.

You're trying to compare keeping a lawn weed-free to the fight against terrorism.
Wow, that's deep. It took me a while to figure this out but now that I see it . . . Whoa!
Thanks for pointing this out to me and making it all clear. I fully support the War on Terror now.
GO BUSH!!!!!
</mockery mode>

No, there was no substantive point to this post other than to mock you, Aberdeenwriter. But I've got to admit, you went to great lengths to develop and shape your metaphoric strategy and that, if nothing else, is commendable.

[ghporter]

Keeping my lawn looking like it's at least somewhat tended is not just "house proud" on my part. It's both a requirement of one of my deed restrictions (can't allow lawns to become "unkempt" and overgrown) and something I do for neighborliness (don't cause problems for other residents' lawns). It's also something I like to do because growing anything is enjoyable. My wife chose the various plants on the porch and the roses (Chrysler Imperials; they are not only very pretty, but the smell like real roses too), so the landscaping is my department.

It's more of a chore than it might seem, as the part of San Antonio I live in is basically limestone and caliche (a subpar form of limestone) covered with just enough dirt (NOT soil!) to let johnson grass and mesquite trees grow. So even with 6" of topsoil on what's underneath, it takes a lot of effort to put the right nutrients into what we have so the grass and trees will grow.

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by abe

How do you react when you spot a patch of weeds in a corner of your lawn?

I have no lawn. I'm very happy about this. Mowing it was a chore.

Originally Posted by abe

You pull it. Then, when you spot another patch, you pull it. And you may continue just pulling it and staying on top of the weed infestation.

I don't freak out about weeds. They're a natural part of lawns.

[abe]

Originally Posted by ghporter

Keeping my lawn looking like it's at least somewhat tended is not just "house proud" on my part. It's both a requirement of one of my deed restrictions (can't allow lawns to become "unkempt" and overgrown) and something I do for neighborliness (don't cause problems for other residents' lawns). It's also something I like to do because growing anything is enjoyable. My wife chose the various plants on the porch and the roses (Chrysler Imperials; they are not only very pretty, but the smell like real roses too), so the landscaping is my department.

It's more of a chore than it might seem, as the part of San Antonio I live in is basically limestone and caliche (a subpar form of limestone) covered with just enough dirt (NOT soil!) to let johnson grass and mesquite trees grow. So even with 6" of topsoil on what's underneath, it takes a lot of effort to put the right nutrients into what we have so the grass and trees will grow.

Dear ghporter,

It does sound like you have thoroughly embraced the challenge, responsibility and the opportunity of keeping a beautiful and healthy lawn. Can you imagine what your neighborhood would be like without those deed restrictions? Or if the deed restrictions were not enforced?

I once heard a story (although it MAY be an apocryphal story) about one homeowner who refused to abide by his homeowner association regulations and after TWELVE YEARS of notices (all of which he basically used as wallpaper in his home) a group of responsible and concerned neighbors banned together to see that he was forced to move.

I hear that the association even helped supply him with lawn care products but that he was using some of the herbicide sprays on his stepchildren!

With your particular climate and soil conditions in mind here's a lawn care tip for those of you in ghporter's neck of the woods. I'm sure that you already know all of this, ghporter, but in hopes that others might benefit, here's something from the Texas Cooperative Extension.

Lawns Don't Waste Water, People Do!
Texas Cooperative Extension
Revised 6 July 2005 by Dr. Doug Welsh

In recent years, much attention and controversy has surrounded the water requirement of the lawn. Misinformation and hidden agendas have fueled this controversy; however, there are some well documented facts about the American lawn.

The lawn is an integral component of the landscape. The lawn is certainly the best recreational surface for children and athletes. The lawn has a tremendous mitigating effect on the environment, reducing heat loads, noise, and water and air pollution.

A lawn is second only to a virgin forest in the ability to harvest water and recharge groundwater resources. As a design component, the lawn provides landscape unity and simplicity while inviting participation in the landscape.

The lawn has become a focus in reducing landscape water use because of the tremendous opportunity for abusive use of irrigation water in an effort of maintaining the lawn. Within the traditional landscape, the lawn has received the major portion of the total landscape irrigation. Lawn irrigation can be reduced, while the homeowner continues to derive the many benefits of turfgrass.

Specific strategies to reduce lawn irrigation include:

Place lawn areas into landscape irrigation zones based on water requirements, so that lawns can be watered separately from other landscape plantings

Select adapted, lower-water demand turf species and varieties

Use irrigated lawn areas only in areas which provide function (i.e., recreational, aesthetic, food traffic, dust and noise abatement, glare reduction, temperature mitigation)

Use non-irrigated lawn areas where appropriate

Irrigate properly based on the lawn's true water needs

Increase mowing heights to decrease lawn water use and stress

Decrease fertilizer rates and properly schedule fertilizations

By implementing these strategies, homeowners can reduce lawn irrigation requirements and still reap the many benefits of a cool, green lawn.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/p...t/drought.html

[ghporter]

Those Aggies have lots of good information, and it's all very much useful. Unfortunately not enough people know how much water their grass needs, how much it gets naturlly or artificially, and how to decide what else it might need. I've been hitting the Aggie-Horticulture site for a couple of years now, and I'm learning a lot-mostly about how horrible my soil is and what to do to correct it. And the local paper now prints weekly water requirements of the most common grass varieties so if you know what you have you can adjust your watering to match the needs. This is especially true here on the edge of a large desert.

My next big challenge is to separate the lawn from the trees so the trees aren't starved for water and nutrients by the grass. All it takes is a nice mulch bed around the tree to keep the grass well away from the main roots-which is obviously much easier said than done.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

I have no lawn. I'm very happy about this. Mowing it was a chore.

Millions of people share your sentiment! And I must admit one of the advantages and pleasures of apartment living is in NOT having to worry about keeping up the lawn. But, that's not to say that you don't pay for groundskeeping, or the lack of it.

In my condo complex part of our monthly expenses go toward grounds fees and common area expenses. As most folks enjoy living in a nice environment free from dangerous plants and such and are willing to contribute to maintaining this kind of appearance. But more than that, if there were NO attempts to maintain the common areas the complex would soon become crime ridden.

So, not only does creating and maintaining a nice lawn make it more pleasant to live here it also discourages crime and danger.

I don't freak out about weeds. They're a natural part of lawns.

There are folks who enjoy living in the wilderness and the constraints of society tax their sense of what's natural. But even THEY have a sense of personal safety. And where they are not bothered by weeds, as such, they DO however have a healthy regard for the danger posed by ground vegetation being too close to their cabin or forest home.

During fire season many lives and hundreds of homes are destroyed because of unwanted vegetation being allowed to grow too close to inhabited areas.

In your case ALL vegetation might be considered unwanted if it's in the wrong place.

Remember the definition from the O.P.

In the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, a weed is defined as "a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants"

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by abe

Dear ghporter,

It does sound like you have thoroughly embraced the challenge, responsibility and the opportunity of keeping a beautiful and healthy lawn. Can you imagine what your neighborhood would be like without those deed restrictions? Or if the deed restrictions were not enforced?

I once heard a story (although it MAY be an apocryphal story) about one homeowner who refused to abide by his homeowner association regulations and after TWELVE YEARS of notices (all of which he basically used as wallpaper in his home) a group of responsible and concerned neighbors banned together to see that he was forced to move.

I hear that the association even helped supply him with lawn care products but that he was using some of the herbicide sprays on his stepchildren!

With your particular climate and soil conditions in mind here's a lawn care tip for those of you in ghporter's neck of the woods. I'm sure that you already know all of this, ghporter, but in hopes that others might benefit, here's something from the Texas Cooperative Extension.

Ooh, ooh, ooh . . . yet even MORE metaphors. Yippee. I <heart> metaphors.
This one sounds more specific, like it might be about Iraq. So, does this mean
Saddam = weed and USA = weed-killer? That's great.

Except, if it really was a band of "responsible and concerned neighbors" who forced Saddam out of power, the US wouldn't be there and Iran, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia and Afghanistan would be dealing with this problem and not the US. So, you might want to consider revising your metaphor to more accurately reflect the fact it was a band of "outsiders" who forced Saddam out of power.

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by abe

Millions of people share your sentiment!

Mine is based on a small lawn contributing nothing towards your personal enjoyment, and being virtually useless in the middle a small town. If I lived in the burbs and had a decent sized one I'd get a riding mower and enjoy myself.

Originally Posted by abe

There are folks who enjoy living in the wilderness and the constraints of society tax their sense of what's natural. But even THEY have a sense of personal safety. And where they are not bothered by weeds, as such, they DO however have a healthy regard for the danger posed by ground vegetation being too close to their cabin or forest home.

I fell asleep somewhere around 'constraints of society tax.'

[abe]

Originally Posted by ghporter

Those Aggies have lots of good information, and it's all very much useful. Unfortunately not enough people know how much water their grass needs, how much it gets naturlly or artificially, and how to decide what else it might need. I've been hitting the Aggie-Horticulture site for a couple of years now, and I'm learning a lot-mostly about how horrible my soil is and what to do to correct it. And the local paper now prints weekly water requirements of the most common grass varieties so if you know what you have you can adjust your watering to match the needs. This is especially true here on the edge of a large desert.

My next big challenge is to separate the lawn from the trees so the trees aren't starved for water and nutrients by the grass. All it takes is a nice mulch bed around the tree to keep the grass well away from the main roots-which is obviously much easier said than done.

It sounds like you are close to having a 'civil war' (of sorts) on your hands!

Keeping the two (grass and trees) from intermingling may not be nature's way but good stewardship of the land and your obviously sound management practices suggest that once you get that chore accomplished it shouldn't take much time, effort or expense to maintain that horticultural stasis which will be good for both the grass AND the trees, not to mention your back!

[abe]

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Ooh, ooh, ooh . . . yet even MORE metaphors. Yippee. I <heart> metaphors.
This one sounds more specific, like it might be about Iraq. So, does this mean
Saddam = weed and USA = weed-killer? That's great.

Except, if it really was a band of "responsible and concerned neighbors" who forced Saddam out of power, the US wouldn't be there and Iran, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia and Afghanistan would be dealing with this problem and not the US. So, you might want to consider revising your metaphor to more accurately reflect the fact it was a band of "outsiders" who forced Saddam out of power.

Just because the neighbors weren't his NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS didn't mean they had no interest in his failure to abide by homeowner responsibilities. What if his house bordered the neighborhood recreational area, or was a corner lot where everyone had to pass every day?

What if, by virtue of his reputation for violence and aggression and his money, he intimidated his immediate neighbors? If everyone in that community had a stake in everyone else playing by the rules, don't you think something had to be done if the homeowners association refused to act? Weed seeds DO travel throughout a community, you know?!?

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

Mine is based on a small lawn contributing nothing towards your personal enjoyment, and being virtually useless in the middle a small town. If I lived in the burbs and had a decent sized one I'd get a riding mower and enjoy myself.


I fell asleep somewhere around 'constraints of society tax.'

So why are you posting in a "weed control" thread?

[Dakar]

Masochism.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

Masochism.

Sorry, but I doubt you'll find much to like here, then.

Unless you are a weed!

How's that?

[Dakar]

Originally Posted by abe

How's that?

Painfully unfunny. Well done.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

Painfully unfunny. Well done.

Thanks. Enjoy!

[Dakar]

That is a rather nice lawn.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Dakar

That is a rather nice lawn.

Looks quite a bit different from this:

[IMG]http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/7384/65hj.jpg (SEE IMAGES BELOW)

Doesn't it?

Keep the mental image or vision alive and bright of what you want to create. Then keep working at it until you achieve that vision.

It takes time, resources and effort. You can't go into a project like this saying I have a time based exit strategy.

The exit strategy is when the lawn looks like you want it to look.

[abe]

Start


Midway







Finish

[what_the_heck]

Originally Posted by Dakar

That is a rather nice lawn.

Yeah, it's worth killing two girls, or at least a boy.

[/political_incorrect]

-t

[abe]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Yeah, it's worth killing two girls, or at least a boy.

[/political_incorrect]

-t

What are you talking about???

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by abe

pics

the first pic isn't really weeds

[abe]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak

the first pic isn't really weeds

This is the third time I've posted this same definition in this thread.

Quote:
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/weeds.html
January 21, 2000

In the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary, a weed is defined as "a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth; especially : one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants"

[andi*pandi]

lawns are a PITA. Poison-ivy gets the spray. Everything else gets pulled here and there, but usually I'm just happy that something is growing, anything at all. I spray fertilizer, reseed, dig out rocks, rake, and do it all over again, only to have it die. :/

damn o'erhanging pine boughs making acidic soil. damn hill. damn rocks everywhere. damn acorns which are more plentiful than... just damn them. damn rain washing the fertile soil down the hill to my neighbor.

ah spring.

take out the allegory and move this to the everyday:lounge.

[abe]

Originally Posted by andi*pandi

lawns are a PITA. Poison-ivy gets the spray. Everything else gets pulled here and there, but usually I'm just happy that something is growing, anything at all. I spray fertilizer, reseed, dig out rocks, rake, and do it all over again, only to have it die. :/

damn o'erhanging pine boughs making acidic soil. damn hill. damn rocks everywhere. damn acorns which are more plentiful than... just damn them. damn rain washing the fertile soil down the hill to my neighbor.

ah spring.

take out the allegory and move this to the everyday:lounge.

There are several SIMULTANEOUS reasons for continuing your efforts, andi*pandi.

Reducing the number of weed seeds on your neighbors lawns.

Reducing the number or the likelihood of harmful pests or plants harming your loved ones.

The possibility of enjoying precious or delicious treasures from below the ground.

The peace and tranquilty of a well tended environ.

Great exercise!

Knowing you have done a good job for a good reason.

There's a guy I heard of who started weeding his garden and things went poorly for him for almost three seasons. But he went to the library and enlisted the help of some folks who are really experienced with the kinds of problems he's facing and I think this year he's finally got a handle on the problem and I think he expects this to be a turning point where he'll be able to hand over the day to day maintenance to his regular lawn care guys.

Although some of the problems you face may be unavoidable, I'd like to think there are some inexpensive things you can do to make your yard the delightful place you'd want.

And I'm sure you, of all people, can empathize with the guy who's only now beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

But, here's a tip from LOWE'S Home Improvements' website that might give you something else to consider if you haven't already.

Good luck!

Acidic Soil
If you live in a area with high soil acidity levels, you may want to re-think your strategy for landscaping, experts say. It may be an approach where, "If you can't beat them, join them."

"Don't try to fight the battle," Barnes says. "There are a lot of acid-loving plants out there like azaleas."

Beaulieu agrees. "There are several plants that thrive in acidic soils," he says. "Lots of shrubs, azaleas, rhododendrons and laurels crave acidity."

If you want to raise the PH level of your soil, roto-tilling lime into the soil will help, but this takes some pre-planning, Beaulieu says. "You need to be thinking a year ahead of the actual planting," he says. "It will take that long to get results."

One way to test your soil is to get a soil-testing kit from your local agricultural cooperative extension. Another helpful tool is Lowe's Testing and Improving Your Soil.

http://forpros.lowes.com/articles/0213land_dealing.cfm

[Wiskedjak]

Originally Posted by abe

This is the third time I've posted this same definition in this thread.

Being more of a hiker than a golfer, the first pic looks more valuable to me.

Basically, you're definition says that one person's weed can be another person's flower. "Weed" is subjective.

[abe]

Originally Posted by Wiskedjak

Being more of a hiker than a golfer, the first pic looks more valuable to me.

Basically, you're definition says that one person's weed can be another person's flower. "Weed" is subjective.

Didn't someone call Golf the definition of a good hike, spoiled?

And I doubt some of our posters would really consider marijuana a weed using that definition, but the definition stands as useful and valid until proven otherwise, wouldn't you say?

But who among us is ready to say that poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac aren't harmful weeds? Who among us is ready to stand idly by knowing that bees, termites and snakes are making their new home dangerously close to your front door?

There is a place for these species in the natural order of things but not where people must live unless it is their choice, their desire, their wish to live amongst such dangers and hazards. And that is one of the beauties of living in a liberal democratic nation. We are free to live as we please so long as it doesn't infringe on others' rights to live as THEY please.

There was a brainy fellow I once heard of who lived out in the wilderness amongst the thistles and brush, snakes and poisonous plants and he seemed to like it just fine and no one minded his preference.

But then one day he got the not so bright idea of sending anonymous explosive packages to folks in the mail. And that is when he crossed the line.

And just think, if he had only been able to restrict his violence to the wilderness he might still be out there enjoying his birds, bees and trees.

There's nothing wrong with a natural nature. But there is nothing like the peace and tranquility of a well tended garden.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by abe

Didn't someone call Golf the definition of a good hike, spoiled?

Mark Twain said: "Golf is a good walk spoiled."

One man's weed is another man's flower.

Plants aren't weeds when you recognize their value in the lawn.

EDIT: Dandelions are delicious and make great wine!

[abe]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Mark Twain said: "Golf is a good walk spoiled."

One man's weed is another man's flower.

Plants aren't weeds when you recognize their value in the lawn.

EDIT: Dandelions are delicious and make great wine!

Ahhh, Twain! Thanks for the correction.

True, that.

But who among us would find such value in poison ivy that they'd leave it to grow and spread and endanger them and their loved ones?

Poison Ivy wine? I'll pass.

[DBursey]

Weedy interlude: Want a nice, organic lawn with no weed or infestation problems, without those nasty, DNA-tweaking poisons? Not a problem! Here's how (without particular regard to temporal linearity):

Two applications of screened compost yearly. Well re-seeded bare spots in spring and late summer. A vigorous de-thatching in early spring. A deep watering two mornings weekly or so throughout as needed. A mower set to its highest position. Biennial aeration on average as per soil type. Pull out the odd dandelion or other perniciously perceived perennial that stakes a foothold.

Give it a season or two; you'll be inviting neighborhood kids to tuck and roll on the resulting grassy green goodness guaranteed to garner gapes and gasps from neighbors as well as penance by pausing passerby's with peeing poodles and piddling pups.

Save the groundwater! Spare the aquifers! Think of the children, man!