Proper weed management has a direct impact on both the growth and yield of young and mature olive trees. Weeds compete fiercely especially with young trees for water and nutrients.
They also often host insects, mites, nematodes and promote the spread of disease. Although there is evidence for winter weeds that in some cases their presence can be beneficial (especially on sloping soils), summer weeds are sure to do multiple damage to the olive grove if we do not proceed with 2-3 mowing, from spring to autumn.
After mowing, the cut plant tissues should be left in the ground and dried to create a litter. In this way, on the one hand, they help retain the valuable moisture during the summer months, and on the other hand, by gradually decomposing, they enrich the soil with organic matter and improve its physicochemical characteristics.
The brush cutter that we will use, must necessarily have a properly designed guard, so that no cut debris is thrown, as well as a vibration damping system so that the user does not get tired during long hours of work. For larger areas, we can use a reinforced mower, as some weeds will have developed strong woody vegetation and may be difficult for us. This can provide us with ease and speed in working with very low vibration levels.