Can we KILL that Grassy Weed???
#1
04-09-02, 11:31 AM
Can we KILL that Grassy Weed???
Hello all ...
I have asked this question before, but really have not gotten much help .... so here goes again:
I have a variety of "Ice Plant" (aka pickle weed) called Red Apple, planted on a small hill in the front of my house. In it, I have some flipp'n grassy weed that spreads with runners; it evidentially puts down roots with each runner. The ice plant is so thick that it is virtually impossible to pull that darn grass out by its roots. I have tried some "ice plant weed killer" but it just kills the top of the weed, I think it is the mineral magnesium. Any how, it doesn't seem to hurt the "Ice Plant" but its success isn't quite so good.
Does anyone have a solution short of removing my beautiful ground cover and using an all purpose herbicide??
My fate is in your hands ...
I have asked this question before, but really have not gotten much help .... so here goes again:
I have a variety of "Ice Plant" (aka pickle weed) called Red Apple, planted on a small hill in the front of my house. In it, I have some flipp'n grassy weed that spreads with runners; it evidentially puts down roots with each runner. The ice plant is so thick that it is virtually impossible to pull that darn grass out by its roots. I have tried some "ice plant weed killer" but it just kills the top of the weed, I think it is the mineral magnesium. Any how, it doesn't seem to hurt the "Ice Plant" but its success isn't quite so good.
Does anyone have a solution short of removing my beautiful ground cover and using an all purpose herbicide??
My fate is in your hands ...
#2
04-09-02, 11:42 AM
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Hi Rusty Can
If you have some time to spend, you could paint concentrated Roundup on the weeds' foliage using an artists' or small painter's brush. I've done this with everything from thistle to quackgrass growing thru groundcover and in shrub beds.
It does take some patience (it gets easier if you look at it as therapy and maybe a way to improve your fine motor skills, like I do...
), and it may take multiple applications to get all those runners...
Good Luck
Howie
p.s. If you want to keep track of which weeds you've painted, you could mix the RU with some thin latex paint (your choice of colour
). Might look a bit silly, but after a few days or so, you could come back and pull the exposed weeds to get rid of your 'artwork' (the herbicide would have translocated in a day or so)....
If you have some time to spend, you could paint concentrated Roundup on the weeds' foliage using an artists' or small painter's brush. I've done this with everything from thistle to quackgrass growing thru groundcover and in shrub beds.
It does take some patience (it gets easier if you look at it as therapy and maybe a way to improve your fine motor skills, like I do...
), and it may take multiple applications to get all those runners...Good Luck
Howie
p.s. If you want to keep track of which weeds you've painted, you could mix the RU with some thin latex paint (your choice of colour
). Might look a bit silly, but after a few days or so, you could come back and pull the exposed weeds to get rid of your 'artwork' (the herbicide would have translocated in a day or so)....
#4
04-09-02, 11:48 AM
Hi Howie,
I was a little confused when I read Rusty Can's problem also, but I think he/she is talking about keeping the Ice Plant. The only reason I assumed that is because I have some of it. It's a beautiful plant, great for a ground cover, and gets little flowers.
Other than that, I'm sure your advice to brush his nuisance weed would apply???
Gami
I was a little confused when I read Rusty Can's problem also, but I think he/she is talking about keeping the Ice Plant. The only reason I assumed that is because I have some of it. It's a beautiful plant, great for a ground cover, and gets little flowers.
Other than that, I'm sure your advice to brush his nuisance weed would apply???
Gami
#5
04-09-02, 11:49 AM
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Hi Rusty Can
D'oh!!! - I noticed that after I hit the send button...
I've edited that post after you sent the last message - tag - you're it!
Howie
D'oh!!! - I noticed that after I hit the send button...
I've edited that post after you sent the last message - tag - you're it!
Howie
#7
04-09-02, 11:51 AM
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Seems everyone is here right NOW!!
Hi Gami!
I figured that out - actually I was thinking I have (had) some Ice Plant by the stream last year... (and couldn't figure out why Rusty wanted to get rid of it!
I have to learn how to read gooder...
... and yes, the paint brush thing works well for almost any weed!
Howie
Hi Gami!
I figured that out - actually I was thinking I have (had) some Ice Plant by the stream last year... (and couldn't figure out why Rusty wanted to get rid of it!
I have to learn how to read gooder...
... and yes, the paint brush thing works well for almost any weed!
Howie
#9
04-09-02, 01:48 PM
okay you guys ... was I that confusing??
once again my thoughts have a tough time putting in writing ...
Anyhow, this stupid grass weed is really like a long stringy bermuda grass, it gets about 8 to 10 inches tall and is the diameter of 10 strands of hair ... are you getting a good visual??
I guess what I am looking for is some sort of spray that would kill the root and not hurt the ice plant ... any other suggestions??
thanks for your continued involvement
once again my thoughts have a tough time putting in writing ...
Anyhow, this stupid grass weed is really like a long stringy bermuda grass, it gets about 8 to 10 inches tall and is the diameter of 10 strands of hair ... are you getting a good visual??
I guess what I am looking for is some sort of spray that would kill the root and not hurt the ice plant ... any other suggestions??
thanks for your continued involvement
#11
04-09-02, 02:09 PM
Hi Rusty Can,
We'll have to take your word for it, unless you'd like to join us on Sierra and post a pic of yourself.
Thanks for clearing that up. Sometimes it's hard to tell.
I think I know what you're talking about as far as your weed goes. It's like burmuda, only it grows by longer runners and the grass doesn't grow in clumps quite as bad as burmuda. I don't know what it's called either, but I have some of it too.
Howie's method should work on it or any kind of weed.
BTW, is Ice Plant a perennial for you? Last year was my first year for it. I had it in a pot, and it didn't make it through the winter. It really grew fast. I didn't realize it was a ground cover as someone sent me several starts without any instructions. It looked pretty hanging down from the big pots tho. I brought some in for the winter and have been moving it in and out. It's time to take some cuttings.
Gami
We'll have to take your word for it, unless you'd like to join us on Sierra and post a pic of yourself.
Thanks for clearing that up. Sometimes it's hard to tell.
I think I know what you're talking about as far as your weed goes. It's like burmuda, only it grows by longer runners and the grass doesn't grow in clumps quite as bad as burmuda. I don't know what it's called either, but I have some of it too.
Howie's method should work on it or any kind of weed.
BTW, is Ice Plant a perennial for you? Last year was my first year for it. I had it in a pot, and it didn't make it through the winter. It really grew fast. I didn't realize it was a ground cover as someone sent me several starts without any instructions. It looked pretty hanging down from the big pots tho. I brought some in for the winter and have been moving it in and out. It's time to take some cuttings.
Gami
#12
04-09-02, 02:29 PM
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Hello again
(is anyone going to post something else while I'm slooowwwlllyyy typing this? ) - getting older, you know, and I still haven't figured out where all the keys are on this new-fangled high tech contraption
I've used Dorotheanthus or Livingstone Daisy or Ice Plant (I know it as the other latin name Mesembryanthemum) in display beds and people just go gaga all over it when it is in flower! But alas, we treat it as an annual here, too
Rusty, it would probably be easier for you to deal with your weeds if it were an annual (for you)...
Instead of using a paint brush for the roundup, you could wear latex gloves and coat the weed blades by pulling the 'grass' thru a rag soaked with it. Might take less time and concentration. The RU should translocate as long as there is good contact with the narrow leaves.
Just a thought...
Howie
(is anyone going to post something else while I'm slooowwwlllyyy typing this?
) - getting older, you know, and I still haven't figured out where all the keys are on this new-fangled high tech contraptionI've used Dorotheanthus or Livingstone Daisy or Ice Plant (I know it as the other latin name Mesembryanthemum) in display beds and people just go gaga all over it when it is in flower! But alas, we treat it as an annual here, too
Rusty, it would probably be easier for you to deal with your weeds if it were an annual (for you)...
Instead of using a paint brush for the roundup, you could wear latex gloves and coat the weed blades by pulling the 'grass' thru a rag soaked with it. Might take less time and concentration. The RU should translocate as long as there is good contact with the narrow leaves.
Just a thought...
Howie
#13
04-09-02, 02:30 PM
Gami ...
Thank you for your kind words ... Ice plant in San Diego and for that matter, all over the west coast is all over the place. In my neighborhood about 20 miles in land from the coast, ice plant is everywhere and because the temperatures rarely get below freezing it around all year. I will tell you that this particular year we had about a week of freezing temperatures and I lost big sections of my back yard hill.
But when it blooms ... from reds to deep violets to yellows it is spectacular!! Tip of the day ... if you want it to bloom do not water it for about four weeks in early spring. Needless to say this is why I want to kill that silly weed!!
~The Rusty Can
Thank you for your kind words ... Ice plant in San Diego and for that matter, all over the west coast is all over the place. In my neighborhood about 20 miles in land from the coast, ice plant is everywhere and because the temperatures rarely get below freezing it around all year. I will tell you that this particular year we had about a week of freezing temperatures and I lost big sections of my back yard hill.
But when it blooms ... from reds to deep violets to yellows it is spectacular!! Tip of the day ... if you want it to bloom do not water it for about four weeks in early spring. Needless to say this is why I want to kill that silly weed!!
~The Rusty Can
#14
04-09-02, 02:36 PM
Thanks Howie ... I think that we are getting closer.
Who's the guy that knows all the chemicals??
The reason I ask is because I know that this spray that I use only effects the grass and not the ice plant ... just looking for something a little stronger and less than a nuclear war head!
~The Rusty Can
Who's the guy that knows all the chemicals??
The reason I ask is because I know that this spray that I use only effects the grass and not the ice plant ... just looking for something a little stronger and less than a nuclear war head!
~The Rusty Can
#16
04-11-02, 07:05 PM
have you tried 'ortho's grass be gone'? this is a monocot selective herbicide which means it kills grassy weeds without harming most broadleaf plants.(works great for getting rid of grass in pachysandra,junipers etc.)
while in my office this morning i checked the label for 'fusilade II' which is the commercial grade of grass be gone and it is listed as being safe for use on ice plant. grass be gone works best if applied when the grassy weeds are actively growing,not under drought stress,and no rain is expected for at least 48 hrs. after application. I would also recomend the addition of a spreader-sticker which is available @ any garden center/nursery. depending on what type of grassy weed your dealing with you may need more than one application. always read and follow label directions carefully,
good luck,
ron r.
while in my office this morning i checked the label for 'fusilade II' which is the commercial grade of grass be gone and it is listed as being safe for use on ice plant. grass be gone works best if applied when the grassy weeds are actively growing,not under drought stress,and no rain is expected for at least 48 hrs. after application. I would also recomend the addition of a spreader-sticker which is available @ any garden center/nursery. depending on what type of grassy weed your dealing with you may need more than one application. always read and follow label directions carefully,
good luck,
ron r.
#17
04-12-02, 07:47 AM
Hey ct. aborist ... thanks for the information! I didn't know that Ortho's weed be gone would be able to work on ice plant (i've never really looked at the label )
What exactly would be a "spreader-sticker"?? I have never heard of one ... please post back, I am going to the Home Depot today after work and will pick on up if that's what I need.
Thanks!
~The Rusty Can
) What exactly would be a "spreader-sticker"?? I have never heard of one ... please post back, I am going to the Home Depot today after work and will pick on up if that's what I need.
Thanks!
~The Rusty Can
#18
04-12-02, 04:04 PM
Hello gang
... the site has been down for quite some time today. In the mean time I did a little research on what I could possibly use to kill this darn invader without harming my "Red Apple" Ice Plant or its latin name (this is for you Howie ) Aptenia Cordifolia or also known as Baby Sun Rose and here is a link for those of you who are wondering what this stuff looks like:
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plan...ordifolia.html
Anyhow, I checked into the chemical found in Grass-B-Gone from Ortho, it is called 'fusilade II' and according to all the information that I could find ... this stuff is 50% deadly to my "glorious" ice plant!
Sooo, this was unacceptable and I went on with my quest! I contacted some of the nurserys around my area and came across this guy who totally understood my challenge! He suggested another product from a company called DOXEL - Grass Out! He didn't carry it but suggested some places that might ... so I began calling. Long story ... short (yea, right!) I found another product that would KILL that pesky weed (turns out to be bermuda grass) and not harm my "wonderous" ice plant! It's called Grass Getter by Monterrey.
Here is the last twist ... for one pint it costs $59.99!!!!!
Now according to its label it should make 40 gals of stuff ... we'll see.
Well, I am determined to give it a try ... just won't tell the wife the cost! Wish me luck ...
~The Rusty Can
... the site has been down for quite some time today. In the mean time I did a little research on what I could possibly use to kill this darn invader without harming my "Red Apple" Ice Plant or its latin name (this is for you Howie
) Aptenia Cordifolia or also known as Baby Sun Rose and here is a link for those of you who are wondering what this stuff looks like:http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plan...ordifolia.html
Anyhow, I checked into the chemical found in Grass-B-Gone from Ortho, it is called 'fusilade II' and according to all the information that I could find ... this stuff is 50% deadly to my "glorious" ice plant!
Sooo, this was unacceptable and I went on with my quest! I contacted some of the nurserys around my area and came across this guy who totally understood my challenge! He suggested another product from a company called DOXEL - Grass Out! He didn't carry it but suggested some places that might ... so I began calling. Long story ... short (yea, right!) I found another product that would KILL that pesky weed (turns out to be bermuda grass) and not harm my "wonderous" ice plant! It's called Grass Getter by Monterrey.
Here is the last twist ... for one pint it costs $59.99!!!!!
Now according to its label it should make 40 gals of stuff ... we'll see. Well, I am determined to give it a try ... just won't tell the wife the cost!
Wish me luck ...~The Rusty Can
#19
04-12-02, 04:23 PM
sorry for the false info rusty can,when i looked at the fusilade label i just looked up 'ice plant' which showed the latin name as mesembryanthemum, and listed it as being safe for use,hence my reccomendation.
glad to see you did your homework, and again i apologize.
ron r.
glad to see you did your homework, and again i apologize.
ron r.
#20
04-15-02, 03:22 PM
Just to keep everybody informed ... I went and bought the stuff and let me tell you coughing up $50 wasn't easy!!!
I mixed according to the directions and put it on yesterday afternoon ... well today, it's raining in Sunny San Diego!! Can You Believe IT!! The directions said that it was rain tolerant 60 minutes after application ... only time will tell!!
Well, this stuff is my last hope ... may the force be with me!!
~The Rusty Can
and let me tell you coughing up $50 wasn't easy!!!
I mixed according to the directions and put it on yesterday afternoon ... well today, it's raining in Sunny San Diego!! Can You Believe IT!! The directions said that it was rain tolerant 60 minutes after application ... only time will tell!!Well, this stuff is my last hope ... may the force be with me!!
~The Rusty Can
