Nurturing a Greener Tomorrow: Ecologically Conscious Weed Management.

Native Restoration and Management is part of the award-winning Ecological Design Group, which has had a hand in the creation of many of Arkansas' award-winning parks and trails. As a part of their mission to design with sound ecology as a priority, NRM is responsible for the restoration, maintenance, and management of eco-spaces with the same mission and passion for preserving natural spaces as naturally and eco-friendly as possible.

Our focus is on the health of the soil and proper horticultural practices. We firmly believe landscapes will thrive without using environmentally harmful chemicals or noisy, gas-powered equipment. One of the ways that harm comes directly to the soil nowadays is by using chemicals, specifically to get rid of weeds.

This article will explore the chemicals typically found in these products, their adverse effects on the surrounding environment, and alternative and ecologically conscious weed control methods.

Under the umbrella of pesticides, three groups of chemicals are used for different purposes: herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. This article will focus on herbicides, as these are the type of pesticides specifically formulated to control, inhibit, and eliminate weeds.

There are several ways to categorize herbicides: selective, non-selective, pre-emergent, or post-emergent. Selective herbicides target specific types of plants while sparing others, while non-selective herbicides are designed to kill a wide range of plants. Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weed seeds germinate, while post-emergent herbicides are used to grow weeds actively.

The active ingredients in herbicides vary, and different chemicals target different aspects of a plant's biology. For example, some herbicides disrupt photosynthesis, while others interfere with cell division or protein synthesis. But what makes the use of these chemicals dangerous?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), varying health effects depend on the pesticide used. Let's look at an example of two of the most commonly used herbicides, 2,4-D or 2,4-dichlorophenoxy. This pesticide has been used since the 1940s to control broadleaf weeds. While it generally has low toxicity for humans, "it has a moderate toxicity for birds and mammals, is slightly toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates" (EPA). Another example is Glyphosate, another widely used herbicide since the 1970s. While the EPA maintains "that there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used by its current label," over the past several years, they have faced several challenges in the U.S Court of Appeals as the herbicide has been shown to pose "ecological risks to non-target organisms, primarily non-target plants through spray drift" (EPA).

Instead of utilizing foreign and toxic chemicals, organic landscaping uses other natural means to control and mitigate the spread of weeds or plant growth in specific areas. The idea comes from the development of methods of organic agriculture techniques. Over the last 60 years, farmers, researchers, and activists all over the world have worked to develop these methods that could maintain soil health, eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides, increase landscape diversity, and improve the health and well-being of the people and the environment that is in our care.

What does this look like when it comes to getting rid of weeds? We've talked about a few different methods already, but let's go through some of the most common methods of de-weeding when avoiding herbicides.

Ecological Methods of Weed Control

Solarization & Tarping

• This is a method of using solar heat to control weeds, pests, and diseases in soil. This process involves covering the area with a plastic tarp and utilizing the sun's heat to create a greenhouse effect underneath the plastic. The elevated temperature will ideally lead to the death of weed seeds and certain soil-dwelling pests. However, to complete this process, you need six to eight weeks as well as an ample amount of sunlight. This process works well over the summer months and exceptionally well on a smaller scale, for example, in backyards and for private fruit and vegetable gardens. We've used this technique on project sites like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and EDG's Little Rock Office!

Organic Herbicides

• Organic herbicides are derived from natural sources such as plant extracts, essential oils, and other organic materials. These products are designed to control weeds without synthetic chemicals. Organic herbicides target the weeds' cellular structure, causing them to dry out and die. They are effective against many weeds, including broadleaf, grasses, and sedges. Unlike synthetic herbicides, organic herbicides don't leave harmful residues in the soil, water, or air. They are safe for the environment and beneficial for insects, birds, and other wildlife, whereas synthetic herbicides are typically harmful to one or more of these elements.

Flame Application & Prescribed Fire

• Also known as controlled burning, this is a carefully planned and monitored process that involves intentionally setting fires. This method reduces the buildup of flammable materials, such as dead vegetation, and prevents uncontrolled wildfires. Prescribed fire is a powerful tool in land management, used to restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and maintain healthy forests and grasslands, effectively promoting the growth of native plants and reducing the spread of invasive species. This technique is implemented by trained professionals who carefully consider the weather, wind direction, and the surrounding environment to ensure the fire remains controlled and does not threaten human life or property.

Girdling (Woody Material)

• Girdling is a practice that involves the removal of a strip of bark and cambium tissue (the vascular tissue responsible for the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars) from around the entire circumference of a woody stem or trunk of a tree or shrub. This process creates a barrier that prevents the transport of water and nutrients between the roots and the leaves. It controls tree growth, enhances fruit production in orchards, manages invasive species, or influences forestry practices. Girdling is a precise process, with the bark removed strategically above the root collar and below the lowest branches. This process is typically done during the growing season to optimize its effectiveness while minimizing stress on the tree.

Repeated Cutting (Woody Material)

• A practice involving the periodic pruning of woody plants for various purposes. Two commonly referred to methods of this practice are coppicing or pollarding. In coppicing, the entire plant is cut back to ground level, encouraging the growth of new shoots, whereas pollarding involves pruning branches to a specific height above the ground, promoting the development of a dense, elevated crown. Both methods provide a sustainable means of wood production, supporting continuous regrowth while maintaining a manageable plant structure. The choice between coppicing and pollarding depends on factors like the plant species, intended use, and aesthetic considerations. By actively managing woody plants through repeated cutting, this practice contributes to ecosystem health, prolongs plant life, and serves functional and ornamental purposes in various landscapes.

Elbow grease

• One thing we cannot say about ecological land care is that it is easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a passion for the world around you. However, we can start healing the relationship between these built environments and the surrounding natural environment with some hard work and elbow grease.

While ecological herb control methods prioritize environmental considerations, their implementation could be improved. These methods may be less potent or selective than synthetic alternatives, requiring multiple applications and facing challenges with complete weed control. The limited spectrum of control and weather dependence can impact efficacy, and the time-consuming nature of specific applications, such as manual weed removal, is a barrier for some people. This is where NRM comes in!

Outsourcing these tasks to a company like NRM allows property owners to tap into the expertise of professionals well-versed in ecological restoration, native plantings, and sustainable landscaping. Our team members deeply understand local ecosystems, enabling them to restore and maintain landscapes that promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. Furthermore, it frees up valuable time for property owners, allowing them to enjoy a well-maintained and environmentally conscious landscape without the hands-on labor and expertise required for ecological stewardship.

If you'd like to learn more about organic land care, you can visit nofa.organiclandcare.net. To learn more about NRM's services, visit our website by clicking the button on our page!