4 ms·
I removed the cuttings in past years, but it doesn't seem to have an effect. I think every inch of soil is throroughly saturated with a large variety of seeds.
by hirundo 4y ago
I removed the cuttings in past years, but it doesn't seem to have an effect. I think every inch of soil is throroughly saturated with a large variety of seeds. After whacking it down it's just a smooth carpet of green. So I gave up on the removal as not worth the effort.
- stinos 4y agoIf you leave the cuttings they'll decompose and fertilize the soil, giving advantage to fast growing weeds. Possibly also add nitrogen deposition from surrounding industry/agriculture to that, and you have an ideal cycle for lots of biomass. Mowing like twice a year and removing cuttings on the other hand can and usually does break that cycle, can take some years, resulting in less fierce growth, and more slow-growing species.
- peteradio 4y agoIs this a garden of a yard you are maintaining? Cultivating a garden before you see weeds cuts down on the weed seed bank. One of those things that takes rigorous practice for a year or more before it is obviously having a long term positive impact.
- hirundo 4y agoIt's the opposite of a garden, it's a rural lot next to several million acres of wilderness forest. Everything growing here is a volunteer, there is no lawn, I've planted nothing. And there's plenty of wind constantly bringing more volunteers. This time of year I can almost see them growing. Should that change my weeding strategy?
- peteradio 4y agoI'm a one trick pony, if it isn't a garden I don't know. Perhaps see if you can find out what national parks do for their parking lots?