At S&E Ward's Landscape Management, we are dedicated to eco-friendly weed control practices, and this commitment extends to our approach in landscape beds. We understand the importance of maintaining weed-free and aesthetically pleasing landscape beds while also considering the environment. Here are the key eco-friendly reasons why our landscape bed weed spraying practices benefit both your landscape and the planet:
- Precision Application: Our skilled technicians use specialized equipment for precise and targeted weed control within landscape beds. This approach minimizes the use of herbicides, reducing the potential for chemical runoff and ensuring that only the areas affected by weeds are treated.
- Low-Impact Herbicides: We carefully select herbicides known for their effectiveness against weeds while having a minimal environmental impact. This choice reduces the overall chemical footprint in your landscape beds while still achieving effective weed control.
- Preserving Natural Beauty: Our goal is not only to eliminate weeds but also to maintain the natural beauty of your landscape beds. By responsibly managing weeds, we ensure that your planted areas remain vibrant, allowing the intended plants to thrive.
Teammate Instructions
LANDSCAPE BEDS — TEAMMATE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT THIS IS
Broadcast or directed herbicide application to established landscape beds for weed suppression — applies when treating a larger bed area rather than individual weeds. Covers pre-emergent application, overall weed suppression, or beds with significant weed pressure.
UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- Landscape beds contain the highest concentration of desirable, expensive plantings on most properties — this is the highest-risk spraying location for plant damage.
- Bed edges adjacent to lawn are a common drift zone — selective herbicides from lawn treatment and non-selective from bed treatment can each damage the other side.
- Mulched beds hold product at the surface — avoid heavy application directly onto mulch around plant stems and root flares.
- Pre-emergent applications in beds require timing relative to planting schedules — applying pre-emergent after new plants are installed can inhibit root establishment.
- Drip irrigation systems in beds can carry product through the soil after application — note irrigation schedules.
PRODUCT RESTRICTIONS
- Confirm any product used in landscape beds is labeled safe for use around the specific ornamentals present.
- Pre-emergent products must be labeled for ornamental bed use.
- Non-selective herbicides in beds require directed wand application only — no broadcast non-selective in established ornamental beds.
- Avoid applying contact herbicides immediately before or after irrigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGAL FLAGS
- Beds adjacent to water features — see Retention Pond term for buffer rules.
- Beds near vegetable or herb gardens — products must be labeled safe for use near food crops.
- Pre-emergent application timing relative to rain events — heavy rain shortly after application can move product off-site.
FIELD RULES — DO
- Walk the entire bed before applying — identify plant species, root flares, irrigation emitters, and weed pressure level.
- For pre-emergent: confirm no new planting is scheduled within the label's planting interval.
- For contact/non-selective: use directed wand only — no broadcast in established ornamental beds.
- Apply mulch-surface products carefully — keep away from stem bases.
- Check irrigation schedule — avoid treatment immediately before a scheduled irrigation cycle.
FIELD RULES — DO NOT
- Do not broadcast non-selective herbicide in established ornamental beds.
- Do not apply pre-emergent immediately after new plants are installed.
- Do not apply near vegetable beds without confirming food-crop label approval.
RECORD-KEEPING NOTES
Document bed location, treatment type (pre-emergent vs. contact vs. non-selective), product and rate, irrigation status, and any plants shielded or avoided. Note mulch depth if relevant to application rate decisions.
