How can I get rid of tumble weeds growing on backyard hill?

Question

I live in Southern Cali; my backyard has a hill with clay dirt and every year around this time tumble weeds and other types of weeds start to grow rapidly. By spring, I have tall weeds and dead tumble weeds(which are hard to pull out). What can I do now to prevent them from coming back?

Answer 1

You realize you have maybe 30 years worth of viable seed in the soil now. Each plant throws hundreds of thousands of seeds each with a slightly different life span. The solution is to get something growing on the hill that will out compete the tumbleweed. I suspect it will be some type of grass with the fibrous root system and soil shading ability. Ice plant is another thought. You don't have water to spare? Well, there are preemergent weed killers than can be applied to the soil that retard germinated weed seed from making it to the soil surface. Contact your Cooperative Extension Agent in your county (phone book blue pages, state, county, state university or ?? varies with location....or do a web search California Cooperative Extension Service and follow to your county) Your agent will have most up to date info on preemergent herbicides for your problem. You may have to hire a professional as most are restricted use chemicals, you can't buy and apply w/o a license.

Answer 2

Getting Rid Of Tumbleweeds