Thank you for calling Dial-a-Garden. This message was recorded on Monday, March 31, 2008.

Burning is not the most effective method of weed control. Although it removes brush, it increases the salinity of the soil and is seldom hot enough to kill weed seeds. The best methods for managing weeds depend first of all on whether the weed in question is an annual, biennial, or a perennial. To control annual weeds such as the tumbleweeds, the object is to prevent seeds from forming. Tilling or pulling is an effective control method; the root should be cut a couple of inches below the soil surface. This material may be composted as long as flowers or seeds are not formed yet.

However, these methods may actually spread the perennial weeds, many of which can regenerate from small root sections. Some weeds are resistant to commonly used herbicides, and more aggressive chemicals may be needed for control. The correct timing of chemical treatments is critical if we are to be successful. Proper identification is the key to successful weed management; bring a sample in to the Extension office and include the root if possible. If you are trying to identify grassy weeds, the flowering tops are particularly helpful. We are located at the Mesa County fairgrounds, at 2775 Highway 50 on Orchard Mesa, or drop your sample off at our Delta or Montrose offices and they will be forwarded as needed. Visit our website at http://westernslopegardening.org for more useful information on weed management.

The buds on the fruit trees are running about a week behind normal in Mesa County, and about normal in Delta and Montrose Counties. This promising situation can of course change very rapidly so backyard fruit growers should be prepared over the next several weeks.

Spring is a good time to consider aerating the lawn. If you have a compact, heavy soil, as most of the area does, core aeration in the spring and fall can help reduce compaction and improve the health of the lawn. Core aeration pulls small plugs of thatch and soil, leaving spaces for air and water penetration. Although some fine roots of trees and shrubs in the lawn area will be cut by this process, the resulting increase in oxygen in the soil is beneficial for these plants as well. The soil should be moist but not soggy when the aeration is done. Aeration equipment can be rented, or many yard care companies can perform this service. The small plugs that remain on the surface will break down on their own, but you can speed up the process by mowing over them. They can also be raked up and added to the compost pile. Please visit our website at www.westernslopeturf.org for more information on spring lawn care.

Compost piles frequently slow down over the winter. To get the pile active again, turn it and be sure it is adequately moist. The material should be as damp as a wrung out sponge. A handful of nitrogen will help to speed it up. If you are cleaning up the yard and have a lot of new material to compost, start a new pile with it and let the old pile finish off so you can use it this spring. The Extension web page at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07212.html has additional information about composting.

Orders are still being taken this week for seedling trees and shrubs, but the order period will end soon. The low-cost seedlings are available, with some restrictions, to landowners with two or more acres. The orders will be ready for picking up on April 30 in Mesa County and May 1 in Delta and Montrose. More information about this program is available on the Colorado State Forest Service’s website at http://csfs.colostate.edu/nursery.htm or stop by any of the Extension offices and we’ll be glad to help.

Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions or help with plant identification. We also can test soil and water for salts, and provide you with information about the most appropriate plants for your soil. You can bring soil or plant samples to any of the Tri River Area offices; we’re located in Montrose at 1001 N. Second St, in Friendship Hall; in Delta at 525 Dodge Street across from the fairgrounds, and in Mesa County on the fairgrounds, 2775 U. S. Highway 50.

Thank you for calling Dial-a-Garden. This message will be updated next week; have a great week!

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Curt Swift CSU Extension Tri River Area Horticultural Agent