“WHAT IS ‘INTEGRATED WEED MANAGEMENT’?”
Fremont County Weed Control prefers an integrated approach to weed management. An integrated approach implements cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods. Utilizing a variety of methods helps prevent chemical-resistant weeds, decreases “bare ground” situations, and allows for weed control efforts to be tailored appropriately to each individual site or scenario.
BIOLOGICAL:
Many noxious weeds become prolific due to the fact that they have no natural predators. The Colorado Insectary works to test insects or pathogens to find if they will host on invasive weeds. Care is taken to be sure they will not move to native species or crops. Currently, insects have been used on Tamarisk, Leafy Spurge and puncturevine within Fremont County. Biological controls are not a way to eradicate a species, but can be used as part of an integrated approach for weed management.
CULTURAL / MECHANICAL:
First and foremost, good land management is always encouraged to prevent an invasion. Using certified weed free forage, keeping equipment clean, and mowing when appropriate are all good land management techniques. Some larger woody species, such as Tamarisk and Russian Olive, require mechanical removal as well.
CHEMICAL:
Due to the root structures of many noxious weeds, herbicides are often most effective. Fremont County Weed Control does not use any Restricted Use Herbicides and believes in using selective herbicides to reduce damage to desired vegetation. When applying herbicides, a spot-spraying technique is best where the herbicide is applied directly to the targeted weed. Spot spraying is most cost-effective, reduces the amount of herbicide in the environment, and prevents unnecessary damage to surrounding vegetation.