Ongoing research continues to disclose the health hazards of
chemicals used to control weeds. They have been shown to affect
people and plants including those under the soil surface. For
example, 2-4-D, used for selective weed control in turf is a
proven carcinogen. There are many alternatives to use in place
of chemicals for weed control. Weeds are evidence of nature
working to restore natural succession and biodiversity. Large
areas of bare soil are not natural and should be covered or
planted to avoid not just weeds, but erosion from natural
forces. Anything that covers the bare ground will discourage the
weeds. To control weeds: - Probably no other factor contributes
more to weed problems than irrigation systems over scaled for
their respective landscape. Converting to a drip or microsprayer
irrigation system whenever possible, converting to a drip or
microsprayer irrigation system, designed to water only desired
plants and purposely leaving areas dry will greatly reduce weed
occurrence. Lawns would be on