Knowledgebase

Weed growth under Spruce Trees #870595

Asked May 29, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT

I have 33 Blue & Black Hills Spruce Trees and last year I had them trimmed up and re-mulched with hardwood mulch but this spring I am seeing weeds coming up through the black cloth and mulch. How can I stop this from happening??? Can I use Round-up to kill them???

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.

Personally I would not use roundup.  With young trees it may be possibly to damage them.

My suggestion would be to hoe them out or pull them by hand.   You can use a pre-emergent  or preventative weed product that will help keep weeds down. 

You may want to remove some of the mulch and check the status of your fabric.  Maybe it will have to be replaced.

Deb Kroon Replied May 29, 2024, 10:06 PM EDT
The trees are over 25 years old and the black cloth and new mulch put on 1 year ago.  They are about 30-40 feet tall.

On Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 09:06:45 PM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 30, 2024, 7:57 AM EDT

I'm sorry, I thought the trees were new. You could try spraying the weeds around them. I would still be a little nervous because you just never know and even if your fabric is a year old dirt and stuff lands on top of it which allows the weeds to grow it doesn't take much for them, I just caution advice if you're going to spray.  Use the pre-emergent product before you put down new mulch if you want. Sometimes it works through the mulch, but not necessarily always. You will still always have some weeds come through, but it cuts it down.

Deb Kroon Replied May 30, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
Would Bonide Weed Beater Ultra be a less dangerous product to use???

On Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 09:32:20 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2024, 11:25 AM EDT

As a volunteer I’m not allowed to suggest specific brands.  Just be sure to read up on the herbicides before using. 

There is a natural herbicide that is somewhat more expensive-corn gluten (powder or granules).  It might be worth checking out.

Be sure to follow all instructions of the product you choose.

Deb Kroon Replied June 04, 2024, 9:01 PM EDT

Loading ...