Cultural Control Strategies Scott Oneto, University of California Cooperative Extension Adapted from TNC Weed Control Methods Handbook: Tools and Techniques for Use in Natural Areas

Cultural control strategies use specific techniques to manipulate the environment to improve the growing conditions for desirable species while reducing weed populations. MULCHING Mulches of wood chips, straw, grass clippings, paper, rocks, rubber, black plastic, or landscape fabric can be used to control weeds. Mulching is typically done on relatively small areas where the application can be monitored. Mulching works best on annual weeds and cannot control some perennial weeds because their extensive food reserves allow them to continue to grow up through the mulch. Wood chips are often used in forestry / wildland settings where woody weeds and undesirable vegetation can be shredded into wood chips and left onsite as mulch. In order to be effective as a weed barrier, the mulch should be 3 – 6 inches thick. Landscape fabrics are also used as mulches but are more commonly used on a smaller scale as they tend to be more expensive. These fabrics are heavy, sometimes woven and are made of polypropylene or other weather-resistant materials. Water passes through them slowly and many are made to prevent weeds from growing through them