Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

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2,4-D -- 2,4,5-T, 1 part of chemical to 20 parts of fuel oil. Ammate crystals
were also effective when placed in the frills. Although no trees
were cut and stUlliJ treated, this technique may also be employed. Following
cutting, the stumps are soaked using the above formulation. To
control sumac, late summer basal applications reduced suckering to a minimum.
On blackberry spring treatment using the 1:20 formulation has given
best results. However, in all cases with blackberry, follow-up sprays
~vere necessary. In the herbaceous stratum., a mixture of grasses as well
as broadleafed flowering species such as asters, goldenrods, Queen Anne's
Lace, black-eyed Susana, butterfly weed, daisies and chickory are all
attractive forms to be perpetuated. However" if other weedy species
become too abundant spraying may be necessary. On difficult to kill herbaceous
perennials a 4-6 per cent 2,4-D --2,4,5-T in water is effective
with follow-up treatments. For less difficult herb species a 0.3-0.5 per
cent 2,4-D in water is effective. (2). .
439.
Present Aspect: After seven years the former thicket type habitat now
exhibits a most attractive serd-open aspect in contrast to the control
area which is dominated by a dense thickety cover of sumac, bayberry,
poison ivy with scattered cherry up to 18' in height. In the foreground
of the landscaped area, openings are dominated by such beautiful grasses
as broomsedge and red top along with goldenrod. Beyond, scattered shrubs
such as high bush blueberry, bayberry, huckleberry and low-growinG trees
such as red cedar and gray birch have been accentuated by removal of
competative forms. One vista up the slope carrips our eye to a flowering
dogwood serving as an accent species.
Use of weed-killers in this manner has unlimited opportunities for
the individual home owner who has an abandoned field or pasture growing .
up "1ith this interesting array of species. By selectively eliminating the
undesirables one can create an aesthetically charming landscape around
one t s home with beautiful vistas and maximumopportunities of creativity
10 landscape design o This is also a unique way to stop or retrogress the
normal succession to woodland thereby preserving many species which would
normally be shaded out by larger growing forest trees. Wildlife also
benefits in that songbirds and other animals find excellent food and cover.
When the desirable community is once created, mere spot treatment
in the future is all that is needed to maintain this aspect of natural
landscape.
Acknowledgments: The author wishes to acknowl.edge the follovring companies
for supplyiJ.;gChemicals and equipment: AmchemProducts, Inc.,' Diamond
Alkali Co." Dow Chemical Co., E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co. and D. B.
Smith & Co. Inc. .
Literature
Cited:
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1. Niering, "'J.A. 1961. The Connecticut Arboretum Right-of-May Demon...
stration Area: itt s role in commercial application. N.E.1:t.C.C.
15th Ann. Meeting Proc ,
2. Woodward, Carol. 1951. Taming the Landscape with Herbicides.
Horticulture, Nov.