Fall Noxious Weed Management
Tom Solomon releasing Cyphocleonus achates, the root boring weevil that attacks Spotted knapweed.
As summer comes to an end there are still ways that you can treat or plan for noxious weed management on your property. In the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting with several Madison Valley landowners to discuss their individualized weed management goals. We surveyed their properties and identified which noxious weeds are present and their relative abundance. And, even though Fall is upon us, we were able to talk about how best to target these invaders for treatment.
Fall herbicide treatment can be effective in limiting the regrowth of perennial weeds next year. Additionally, some herbicides leave a residual which will inhibit germination of noxious weed seeds in the coming spring. You may also notice a flush of new plants growing in the fall and these can be targeted during fall treatment. If we get moisture some of these seedlings can be easily killed by pulling or digging.
As the hectic summer season winds down it can also be a good time to reach out to noxious weed professionals to help make a plan for the future. Some contractors may be willing to come out and prepare a bid for treatment next spring. Talking to them now may help ensure that your property is on the “list” and built into their schedule for the coming year.
Removing skeletons or dead plants of certain weed species can be helpful in reducing the quantity of seeds that are added to the soil and environment. For example, Houndstongue plants with seeds still present are viable for a very long time and although they look benign hanging on the dead plant, they are just waiting to be packed around by people, pets or wildlife. Bagging and removing these plants can be worth your time in the long run.
Finally, this is a good time of year for neighbors and homeowners associations to gather and collaborate. Crafting a plan for the coming year can help ensure that goals are met - whether it be for herbicide, biological or mechanical treatment. The County Weed Board and the MVRG Weed Committee are good local resources and available to lend a hand if needed. Please feel free to reach out anytime, but Fall and Winter are exceptionally good times to make a plan for success in the next growing season!
Lastly, there are several classes throughout the winter where folks can learn more about noxious weeds, effective treatment options, etc. This can be a great time of year to invest some time in learning about new invaders or treatment methods. Also, the MVRG Weed Committee will be choosing focus areas and developing plans for the coming year, SO if there are areas you’re concerned about or ideas for future projects please reach out! We look forward to continuing to work for and alongside you in the coming year.
