To Roundup or Not To Roundup

When to use herbicides & when to use an alternative

Herbicides, like the well-known brand Roundup, offer a quick and effective solution for managing weeds in gardens. However, their use has sparked a heated debate among gardeners, environmentalists, and health experts. To help us fully understand the pros, cons, and herbicide alternatives, in this article, I not only pull information from various scientific studies, I also bring in the big guns, an expert with years of experience growing and farming, my total awesome dad, Steve Bradish! (Queue cheering)

(This article does not touch on industrial agricultural use, only suburban yards and homesteading farms.)

How much room should you give fungi to grow?

– As mushroom as possible.

Went swimming today. Took a pee in the deep end.

– The lifeguard noticed and blew his whistle so loud I almost fell in.

Dad jokes aside –

I chose to bring my dad into this conversation not only because of his extensive gardening/ farming experience, and not just because of his amazing dad jokes,

but also because he recently tried an herbicide alternative. I was interested in knowing if the non-herbicide method worked better and if it worked well enough to push him over to team “Not to Roundup”. (That’s the team I’m on, in case you were wondering.) Below are the questions I asked him as well as the discussions they prompted. But before you read on, I want to give him a quick shout out for being a super cool dad.

Dad, thank you for being the ultimate DIYer, getting me hooked on This Old House and New Yankee Workshop, jars upon jars of homemade raspberry jam, and supporting my DIY Nature work with hours of conversations around plants, wildlife, and entrepreneurship.

Picture of author and her dad at his farm.

My dad, has had a green thumb since I can remember. I grew up with what is now called an edible garden, picking cherries off the tree for a quick snack and eating raspberries by the handful hoping to get as many as I could before my dad came out to pick them to make his blue ribbon winning jam. Today, he lives in a rural paradise with his wife, which has large garden plots in which they grow various crops. It’s much like a homestead operation as they yield enough veggies to can and freeze while still having plenty to give away.

For the past several years, my dad has planted and harvested two vegetable gardens, about 1,250 sq ft each. The veggies could be considered typical, corn, radishes, zucchini, and such. His prep and planting methods were in line with your typical American farmer as well. I can only assume that at least a portion of his growing knowledge was picked up from his grandfather who ran a large farm in Michigan, as I remember him telling stories of spending his summers there.

Being the nature lover that I am, when I heard that he was going to be getting his gardens ready, I enquired about his process and questioned his use of herbicides. His main purpose for the herbicide was to kill and then suppress the crabgrasses/ wire grasses that would take over his gardens. He would start by spraying each garden and then a day or so later, use the tiller to grind, mix, and loosen the soil.

So What Exactly Are Herbicides?

Herbicides are chemical substances used to control or eliminate unwanted plants, commonly known as weeds. They come in various forms, including selective herbicides that target specific types of plants without harming others and non-selective herbicides that kill all vegetation they come into contact with. Herbicides can also be categorized based on their application timing, such as pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent weed seeds from germinating, and post-emergent herbicides, which kill existing plants. Easily found at your local home & garden shop, herbicides such as Roundup are marketed toward those trying to cultivate the outdated ideals of a pristine monocultured lawn.

When my dad told me that he was going to try and start a new section of garden and that he was thinking of tarping the area to kill the existing grass instead of spraying Roundup, I eagerly jumped on the opportunity to sit down and discuss the whole process along with the pros and cons. Below is a conglomeration of research, discussion, and experience on the not so simple question, “To Roundup, or Not To Roundup?”.

But First, A brief Herbicide History Lesson

The use of natural herbicides can be traced back to ancient Rome where farmers used salt and other natural substances to manage unwanted vegetation. However, the modern era of herbicides began in the 19th century with the development of chemical weed killers. One of the earliest synthetic herbicides was copper sulfate, which was used in the late 1800s to control weeds in cereal crops. This period marked the beginning of a more scientific approach to weed management, as researchers began to understand the chemical properties and effects of various substances on plants.

The mid-20th century saw significant advancements in herbicide technology with the discovery of more selective and effective compounds. In 1945, the introduction of 2,4-D (2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) revolutionized weed control. As one of the first systemic herbicides, 2,4-D could selectively target broadleaf weeds without harming grasses, making it immensely popular in agriculture and lawn care. This era also saw the development of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, which was discovered by Monsanto in 1970. Glyphosate became widely used due to its broad-spectrum efficacy and non-selective nature, capable of killing almost any plant it came into contact with.

Despite their effectiveness, the widespread use of chemical herbicides has raised legitimate concerns about environmental and health impacts. Over the decades, studies have highlighted issues such as soil and water contamination, harm to non-target species, and human health risks. These concerns have led to a growing interest in sustainable and organic weed management practices, as well as stricter regulations and scrutiny of herbicide usage. Today, the debate continues as researchers, gardeners, and policymakers strive to balance the benefits of herbicides with their potential risks, seeking to develop safer and more environmentally friendly solutions.

The Debate Around Using Herbicides

The use of herbicides in gardens and agricultural settings has sparked considerable debate. Proponents argue that herbicides offer an efficient and convenient solution for weed management, saving time and labor compared to manual weeding. They also highlight the ability of selective herbicides to target specific weeds without damaging desired plants.

However, critics, including myself, raise concerns about the environmental and health impacts of herbicides. They point to potential harm to non-target plants, beneficial insects, and wildlife, as well as the risk of soil contamination and long-term effects on soil health. Additionally, there are known health risks associated with exposure to herbicides for humans and pets. The development of herbicide-resistant plant species is another significant issue, leading to the need for stronger and potentially more harmful chemicals.

The toxicity of Roundup's surfactant component has been proven to surpass that of glyphosate, and the harm they cause together is even greater. Glyphosate is linked to genetic harm and is highly poisonous to birds and fish, and endangers beneficial insects and essential soil organisms required for ecological balance. While the chemical mixture in Roundup may deactivate within 3 days of usage, glyphosate residues in the ground can last for over a year. Glyphosate traces have been found in raspberries, wild blueberries, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, and barley, and have been detected as far away as 1,300 to 2,600 feet from the application point. Spraying chemicals carries risks to both the environment and people's health.

As a result, many gardeners and environmentalists advocate for alternative weed control methods, such as manual weeding, mulching, and the use of organic herbicides. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) combines various approaches to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for managing weeds.

Instead of listing the pros and cons like most other sources would, I would like to offer cautions and practical uses for herbicides such as Roundup. Although I don't recommend that the average suburban home use commercial herbicides, I do believe that gardeners like yourself should have the knowledge to judge for themselves.

When to Breakout the Big Guns

Invasive species
One great thing about herbicides, is that they can help the environment when used in moderation and for specific tasks.
The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), originally from China, has become a notorious invasive species in many parts of the world, particularly in North America. (My dad knows about this one first hand and got the inside scoop from a Virginia Forester on how to kill them.) Introduced in the late 18th century, the tree of heaven initially gained popularity for its rapid growth and hardiness. However, these same traits have led to significant ecological disruptions. The tree of heaven outcompetes native vegetation through aggressive root sprouting and allelopathy, releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. (Yes, plants can ‘talk’ to each other as well as ‘fight’ one another. There was some science to the Avatar film.) Its ability to thrive in various soil conditions and environments, including urban areas that consist mostly of woodland edges, coupled with prolific seed production, has facilitated its widespread colonization. As a result, the tree of heaven poses a substantial threat to biodiversity, native plant communities, and the ecosystems they support, necessitating rigorous management and control efforts to mitigate its impact.
Garlon 4 Ultra - Herbicide by Corteva agriscience
This is what my dad uses on the tree stumps of Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven.
Large area to be cleared
Go with the manual option whenever possible. Even with invasives, if the area is small enough and the plant can be hand pulled or blanketed to death, it’s better go the manual route.

Take Caution

Read the label - EVERY YEAR
Science is constantly evolving and so are regulations and safety guidelines.
Wear protective gear to include a mask and I personally wouldn’t recommend spraying it on windy days. (I doubt the label says that.)
Though the label on the Roundup bottle said it was active for only 3 days, my dad has found that corn grown in the tarpped plot is growing much better than the corn being grown in the plot prepped with Roundup.
Take what the label says with a grain of salt.
Like food labels, though well intentioned, can be complete hogwash. (I’m referring mostly to the “use by” and “sell by” dates.) There are ingredients in some herbicides that can and will stay in your soil for an extended period of time, even after the effectiveness of the herbicide has dissipated. Whether or not those chemicals cause harm, depends on the chemical. The EPA is a great resource, but it can take some digging to get to what you’re looking for.

Steps to Making an Informed Decision

Assess Your Garden’s Needs: Evaluate the extent of your weed problem and the calculate the area.
Personal and Environmental Health: Prioritize safety for your family, pets, and local ecosystem
Consider Long-Term Impacts: Weigh immediate benefits against potential long-term consequences. Besides the health and environmental impacts, think about how you plan to use the space after administering the herbicide.

Conclusion

Weed control year after year brings more challenges, as more weeds are becoming resistant to more herbicides. We now have both Palmer and common ragweed with resistance to glyphosate, ALS, and PPO’s and horseweed with resistance to glyphosate in pockets across the country. When deciding whether to use herbicides such as Roundup in your garden, consider the severity of your weed problem, the potential long-term impacts on your garden and the larger environment, and the health and safety of your family and pets. By weighing the pros and cons and exploring alternative methods, you can make a decision that aligns with your gardening goals and values. You have the option to make your garden thrive while also being a safe and environmentally friendly space.

Following the same method as my dad, Integrated Weed Management (IWM), which combines different weed control methods, can offer a balanced approach that minimizes reliance on chemical herbicides. Using herbicides, only when absolutely necessary will go a long way in helping the environment and your wallet.

Please like, share, and comment.

Let me know what you think of using herbicides and your experience with alternative methods.

SOURCE

Books and Articles on Agricultural History:
- "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson: This seminal book discusses the environmental impact of pesticides and herbicides.
- "The Pesticide Conspiracy" by Robert van den Bosch: This book explores the history and effects of pesticide use, including herbicides.
Scientific Journals and Research Papers:
- "The History of Herbicides" by Andrew H. Cobb and John P. H. Reade (published in the journal Weed Science): A comprehensive overview of the development and impact of herbicides.
- "Glyphosate: A Once-in-a-Century Herbicide" by Stephen O. Duke and Stephen B. Powles (published in the journal Pest Management Science): Discusses the discovery and widespread use of glyphosate.
- Davidson, D. 2017. Twelve BMPs for managing weed resistance. ILSoy Advisor. http://ilsoyadvisor.com/weed-management/2017/january/twelve-bmps-for-managing-weed-resistance/.
Government and Environmental Reports:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Reports and publications on the regulation and impact of herbicides.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations: Reports on global herbicide use and sustainable agriculture practices.
Historical Overviews:
- "Weed Control: Principles and Practices" by Robert L. Zimdahl: This book provides a historical perspective on weed control methods, including the development of herbicides.
- "Pesticides and Health: Myths vs. Realities" by Allan S. Felsot and Kenneth D. Racke: Discusses the evolution of pesticides and herbicides and their health implications.
Images:
- Pea Shooter image curtesy of Plants vs Zombies - Fandom https://plantsvszombies.fandom.com/wiki/Repeater