At S&E Ward's Landscape Management, we prioritize the well-being of your trees through our eco-conscious approach to weed control in tree rings. We understand that maintaining weed-free and thriving tree rings is crucial for the health and vitality of your beloved trees. Here's why our tree ring weed spraying practices benefit your landscape by safeguarding the health of your trees:
- Precision Application: Our skilled technicians utilize specialized equipment for precise and targeted weed control within tree rings. This approach minimizes the use of herbicides, reducing the potential for chemical runoff and ensuring that only weed-affected areas are treated. By sparing your trees from weed competition, we enable them to receive essential nutrients and resources.
- Tree-Centric Herbicides: We carefully select herbicides known for their effectiveness against weeds while having a minimal impact on tree health. This choice ensures that your trees remain the focal point of your landscape while achieving effective weed control within their rings.
- Nurturing Tree Growth: We are not just eliminating weeds; we are nurturing the growth of your trees. By responsibly managing weeds in tree rings, we create a supportive environment where your trees can thrive, promoting their longevity and vitality.
Teammate Instructions
TREE RINGS — TEAMMATE INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT THIS IS
Herbicide application within the mulched or bare-soil ring around the base of a tree, targeting grass and weed encroachment. One of the most beneficial but also riskiest spraying locations — proximity to a tree's root flare and root zone requires careful product selection and application discipline.
UNIQUE CONSIDERATIONS
- Tree roots extend far beyond the visible trunk — often 2–3 times the canopy drip line radius. Residual herbicides in the ring can be taken up by feeder roots well beyond the ring edge.
- The root flare is the most sensitive part of the tree — product contact here can cause cambium damage and long-term decline.
- Young trees (less than 3 years established) are significantly more sensitive to herbicide exposure than mature trees.
- Grass growing into a tree ring competes directly with the tree for water and nutrients — weed control here is genuinely beneficial to tree health when done correctly.
- Some trees (ornamental cherries, crabapples, lindens) are more herbicide-sensitive than others — when in doubt, defer to non-chemical methods.
PRODUCT RESTRICTIONS
- Non-selective herbicides (glyphosate) can be used in tree rings with directed application — keep product off the root flare, trunk, and any exposed surface roots.
- Do not use soil sterilant or long-residual products in tree rings — root uptake over time will damage or kill the tree.
- Pre-emergent products in tree rings must be labeled safe for use around trees.
- Avoid herbicide contact with tree bark, exposed roots, and root flares at all times.
ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGAL FLAGS
- Trees are long-term assets — herbicide damage may not manifest for months or years. This is a liability risk if not documented properly.
- Large or specimen trees on high-value properties warrant extra caution — flag these to your supervisor before treating if you have any doubt.
FIELD RULES — DO
- Identify tree species before treating — note any known herbicide sensitivity.
- Use a directed wand with a flat fan tip at low pressure — keep product away from the trunk.
- Apply from the outer edge of the ring inward — finishing away from the trunk.
- Keep product off the root flare and any exposed surface roots.
- Note tree age — apply extra caution on trees less than 3 years established.
FIELD RULES — DO NOT
- Do not use soil sterilants or long-residual products in tree rings.
- Do not allow product contact with bark, root flare, or exposed roots.
- Do not apply in windy conditions that could carry product into the tree canopy.
RECORD-KEEPING NOTES
Document tree species, estimated age/size, product used, application method, and confirmation that root flare was avoided. Note any exposed surface roots and how they were protected.
