North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[RW Spalinger <rwspal@earthlink.net>]

On Apr 26, 2004, at 8:44 AM, Brungardt, Sam wrote:

> <x-tad-smaller>Although it may not grow as aggressively in Wisconsin as in Kansas (where my experience with this bothersome pest comes from), bermudagrass can be extremely invasive, practically choking out anything that it spreads around.  I think there are definitely better choices for a groundcover for an orchard.</x-tad-smaller><x-tad-smaller>..
> </x-tad-smaller>

My orchard is in what used to be a hay meadow that I purchased, where they actually planted this weed (Bermuda grass). It is extremely invasive, with deep roots and underground runners. It is practically impossible to control or get rid of. The roots compete and usually win out over small tree roots.

I planted patches of St. Augustine grass in the orchard and as it grows, it chokes out the Bermuda grass. I'm not sure that St. Augustine is the best choice for ground cover, but it does not grow as tall as bermuda, and is much thicker and easier to mow. The roots are shallow and I find many earthworms within the roots whenever I did up a patch to make room for a new tree. To me it also is better looking than Bermuda weed.

Randall Spalinger