Agenda - Council - 06/14/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Weeds and Invasive Species Sites with sandy soil are generally less prone to weed invasion than rich organic soil. However, invasive species such as spotted knapweed will invade sandy soil. Selecting weed- resistant species is important. Prairie plantings dominated by native species such as big bluestem and Indian grass tend to monopolize available nutrients, effectively suppressing weeds. But when short-grass species are planted in rich organic soil they can be overrun by large, aggressive weeds. The key is to thoroughly eliminate existing undesirable vegetation as well as the threat of weeds germinating in the future. Applying herbicide is the most common method of killing vegetation. Laying down black plastic for the growing season and repeated tilling can also be effective.Another technique for eliminating sod is to lay down cardboard or about 15 sheets of newspaper, then pile three to four inches of wood chip or composted leaves on top.Tilling can be problematic in gardens because weed seeds germinate readily in tilled soil. Great River Greening has found that planting directly into dead sod works better. Wood chips or composted leaves play an important role in suppressing weeds in native plantings.We recommend applying five to six inches of wood mulch for tree and shrub Susan Overson Residence 1 1 16 _ ■ !L JIL %,qP1_% 4 F Ot - 11 1 r _ 06 ,i r I . ■ � a F ' 1 +" 1 r _r •�.a 1 ° x: y i • =r 1 41 F - n IF a ti� 50