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Weed Control

How can I control weeds on my property?

  1. Identify your weeds
    • Know exactly what it is you want to control.
    • Determine the species – use ID guides or consult your local professional
  2. Learn about the “ENEMY”
    • Know the weed’s life cycle
    • Determine the best time to attack the plants
  3. Understand control methods
    • Know preventative, cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological
      control options.
    • Determine the appropriate control method for your specific weeds.
  4. Develop a management plan
    • Know how to monitor and evaluate your property
    • Determine how to treat your land, be persistent and adaptive
Close-up of a blooming musk thistle (Carduus nutans) with a large, round purple flower head next to a developing bud, set against a grassy background.
Cluster of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) plants with small purple flowers emerging from green buds.

Determine the appropriate weed control method for your property

Preventive:
The first and the most important step in a weed control program. Probably the most cost-effective method of weed control. Methods include: maintaining healthy pastures, using weed-free crop seed, weed-free manure and hay, and clean harvesting and tillage equipment, as well as the elimination of weed infestations in areas bordering cropland, and in irrigation ditches and canals.

Cultural:
Methods include: Establishing and managing an adequate population of desirable vegetation to compete with the weeds; utilizing livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) when possible; mulching; burning; and even plastic weed barriers.

Mechanical:
Methods include: Hand-pull, hoe, mow and tillage.

Biological:
Biological weed control involves the utilization of natural enemies for the control of specific weed species. Likely not 100% effective method of control, and can take many years for success. Methods include: grazing, introduction of registered insects or diseases. Contact the Palisade Insectary for more info.

Chemical:
Always read the label before using any herbicide! Weed control with herbicides is an effective tool for many target weed species. However, there are several aspects to consider when choosing a chemical program. These include: ID of target weed; herbicide selection; timing of application; desirable crops or plant species near control areas; the number of applications per year, and the number of years for treatment.

Always add a nonionic surfactant @ 0.32 oz/ gal (1qt/100 gal) unless otherwise noted.

A worker in safety gear, including an orange hard hat, reflective vest, and backpack sprayer, applying herbicide along a roadside with trees and grass in the background.