Are Oak trees allelopathic?
dandy_line (Z3b N Cent Mn)
8 years ago
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docmom_gw
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Maple versus Walnut allelopathic nature
Comments (1)Never mind. Found a good source. (We need to kill the walnut stump.)...See MoreAre Norway maple leaves allelopathic or could I (selectively) use
Comments (5)The way I understand the article, the benefit of adding the chopped leaves to the lawn is primarily that of a fertilizer, making the grass grow more thickly (which I definitely have seen to be true) which then reduces the chance of any type of weed seeds germinating. In one area in the backyard of our previous home, I routinely would rake all the leaves (a mix of sugar and red maple and several oak species) into a windrow and then take the mower over them several times to chop them for the compost pile or mulch. The finest bits were cornflake-sized and were left behind to decay in the grass when I raked the larger bits into the compost. After a couple years of this, that patch of grass was noticeably thicker and greener than the surrounding area. I do not think that the article is saying that a phytotoxin in maple leaves is preventing the dandelions from growing. A healthy lawn, properly maintained, minimizes weed growth in general. The article also pointed out that in a previous study, it had not been determined whether or not there may have been herbicide residue present that could have skewed the results. The article states: "The high application rate, regardless of tree genus or species, resulted in the highest green-up ratings. Common dandelion plant counts after one (2003) and two (2003 and 2004) mulch applications at the high rate showed that up to 80% and 53% reduction was achieved, respectively. Results indicate that mulching leaves regardless of genus (oak or maple) or maple species into established turfgrass as a leaf litter disposal method will increase spring green-up and contribute to a reduction in common dandelion population." [Emphasis mine.]...See Moreblack cottonwood--allelopathic?
Comments (7)It depends on the plant in question, both to the degree of allelopathy and how it functions. In most cases, allelopathy is a function of the root, with the chemicals/hormones exuded creating an inhospitable growing habitat for other plant species. And generally not all plant species uniformly......the allelopathic properties are typically directed at select species or plant types. There certainly can be allelopathic effects felt from wood chips or ground remains of plants in question but they tend not to be overwhelming compared to the effect created by the living specimens. Allelopathic properties leach out of plant parts and to a very large degree, are neutralized by decomposition and certainly by a composting process. Allelopathy is still not well understood and a lot of research is being conducted on this phenomenon with respect to creating natural pre-emergent "herbicides". A lot of trees exhibit some degree of allelopathy - far more species than most suspect - but with the exception of few well-known trouble makers, like black walnuts, the effects are generally quite mild and easy to work around/with. Personally, I wouldn't have many worries about using the wood chips as mulch for pathways. I'd not even be overly concerned about mulching planting beds with it. If anything, it may make an even more effective weed suppressing mulch compared to other mulch products. Eucalyptus, which has known allelopathic properties, makes an excellent mulch and is bagged and sold as such....See MoreRhus Aromatica allelopathic?
Comments (1)Since Rhus aromatica is well known to be allelopathic, I would absolutely assume (rightly or wrongly) that the cultivars would also contain the same properties. However! Here's where the research gets pretty thin.....not all plants are sensitive to the allelopathic chemicals present in any particular plant. Your job will be to see if there is any documentation linking the suppressive chemicals in Rhus to the specific plant genera that you are interested in keeping healthy. Remember, even the well known and much researched Juglone isn't a problem at all for most other plants. I hope that I've explained it in a way that makes sense. Be sure to let me know....See MoreWoodsTea 6a MO
8 years agoUser
8 years agowisconsitom
8 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
8 years agoEmbothrium
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agowisconsitom
8 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
8 years agoWoodsTea 6a MO
8 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
8 years ago
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)