ken wrote:
Ideally they would be rotating the chemicals used. If the same sprays are used every time, certain weeds may develop resistance to the active ingredients in those sprays.
Another thing that has happened over the years is some sprays that were previously used commonly have been withdrawn from the market or outlawed due to them having been found to be more harmful than previously thought.
For some reason it seems the only control method that weeds don't develop resistance to is
"being plucked up by the roots."
Unfortunately that's not always a practical control method for the weeds that grow in cracks of the driveway.
i try to weed (by hand) when the ground is soft from rains, easier to get those roots!
maybe this year i will try to tackle those driveway cracks more seriously, by killing-digging out the offenders, then using asphalt crack fillers to prevent it all from worsening so quickly.
one neighbor we had, years ago, kept good care of his drive by applying a coating each year to the asphalt. he was able to maintain it well that way. it's a job, tho. to apply those big buckets of coating, then to allow it to cure. i dont believe i would tackle coating, myself, but i could go after the cracks with filler.
Super Shovel
http://www.gardeners.com/buy/super-shov ... it&start=1
i did invest in this Super Shovel a few years ago. it's a help for me.
again, i use it when the ground is easiest to work with.
i have aggressive mulberry starts, esp around my house. big nuisance!
one got a good start in my blueberry bed, no matter how i tugged at it, it thrived!
one day, when the soil was softer, and, that bed has a good layer of pine bark mulch, i decided to go after that mulberry start with this Super Shovel. i prevailed!
i was able to get the "root ball" out, which is key!
it has not returned.
amazing, the size of that root ball, in proportion to a not-large plant.
this shovel helps me, not having the strength of a man.
i protect the sharp teeth as best i can. so far, it's like new. it is a help cutting through tough roots.