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Weed Control Methods

The Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board recommends using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to noxious weed control.  IPM is the use of a combination of all suitable weed control methods. It provides landowners with a set of tools/options to effectively manage noxious weed infestations based on the individual circumstances of their site.  This approach reduces reliance on herbicides and helps preserve the quality of existing habitat, water, and other natural resources. 

Weed control methods that may be applied to noxious weed infestation sites include:

Prevention - Learning to recognize and eliminate invasive species before they gain a foothold is always the recommended manner of control, when it is still an option. Preventing seed production is also an important part of this control method.  Monitoring and removing new weeds on previously identified infestation sites are components of any successful weed management strategy.

weed control and prevention

Cultural/Ecological - This type of control is simply changing or modifying the environment or habitat of the noxious weed.  Cultural control methods include; soil tilling, pruning, thinning, timing fertilizer applications to reduce plant growth, replanting with desirable vegetation, and grazing with sheep, goats, cattle, or chickens.

weed prevention mechanical

Mechanical - This method includes the use of machines and human intervention such as mowing, covering, dredging, tilling, hand pulling, and digging.

Biological - the introduction, or encouragement of parasites or predators of a pest species, like cinnabar moth to control Tansy Ragwort

Biological - Biocontrol is the introduction, or encouragement of parasites or predators of a pest species, like cinnabar moth to control Tansy Ragwort.  These organisms are used to limit the plants growth and spread.

Chemical - the targeted, timed, and responsible use of herbicides

Chemical - The targeted, timed, and responsible use of herbicides can be a valuable management tool and often works well within an integrated pest management strategy.  

 

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