Recommendations for an Integrated Weed Management Program for Ornamental Plantings on Texas Highways (2970-1F)

The goal of this study is to identify more effective methods of weed control for ornamental landscape projects on Texas roadsides. The study found that chronic weed problems are the result of a composite of factors from within five categories of activity. The five categories are as follows: 1) the contracting process: in many cases, contractors lacking in appropriate skills win contracts; 2) the types of contractors: private firms, municipalities, community organizations, and state-use contractors presently work on maintenance contracts and each has different skills and resources; 3) the inspection process: inspectors of landscape maintenance contracts are often not sufficiently trained in the specialized needs of plant materials; 4) the design process: there is a lack of a coordinated approach to weed management as part of the design process; and 5) the maintenance process: contracts are written with few specifics regarding weed control. The study presents discussions of each of the factors affecting weed control and makes specific recommendations for the use of each. These issues are outlined in an integrated approach that details the options that are available to a manager or designer and which should be incorporated into the decision-making process for each phase of a landscape project. A key recommendation is for the development of a formal herbicide program for ornamental landscapes which would include the use of both post- and pre-emergent herbicides.