Question:
I want to replace my lawn with drought-tolerant plants. Is there a pet-safe weed killer available that can effectively eliminate the existing lawn?Answer:
- There are many organic herbicides available today that effectively kill existing grass while being safe to use around pets and children.
- Most of these herbicides have some combination of acetic acid (commonly known as vinegar), clove oil, lemon, and various other essential oils. They are non-selective, meaning they will kill any plant they come into contact with, so be cautious not to spray them on desirable plants.
- They work by binding to the leaf surfaces of weeds and grasses, quickly damaging the cell structure through a 'burn down' process. One advantage is that they are completely biodegradable, leaving no residue issues.
- Once they enter the soil, they become inert, ensuring that the roots of both desirable and undesirable plants are not affected.
- Shallow-rooted cool-season grasses, such as fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass, are easily eliminated by these herbicides; however, they are not recommended for killing Bermuda grass, St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia Grass, or other deep-rooted perennial grasses.
- For these varieties, a stronger herbicide will be necessary. I would read the label to understand what it does. Additionally, the nursery professional at your favorite garden center is a valuable resource for selecting the right product to do the job.
- You might also consider sheet mulching as a chemical-free alternative for killing existing grass.
- To do this, you will need a good supply of cardboard or newspaper. First, mow the grass as short as possible, then cover it with a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper, topped with a three-inch layer of mulch. After that, cut holes in the top layer to plant your plants and install drip irrigation by converting existing sprinklers to drip systems. The grass will die due to a lack of sunlight, preventing photosynthesis from occurring.
Question:
How close can fruit trees and other edibles be planted near Oleanders?Answer:
- You can plant edibles next to oleander plants without any concerns about toxicity. Oleander plants pose a health risk only when ingested orally or inhaled from drifting smoke when burned.
- The toxins are not transmitted through casual contact or from one plant to another. I can't tell you the thousands of plants I've unloaded from growers or loaded into gardeners' cars without any ill effects in my earlier days. Nor the times I’ve brushed against a stem or branch that broke the skin on my arms. So, I wouldn't be concerned