season is near
(Pierce County Weed Control) With the recent “cold spell” many people may consider the growing season to be over for this year. But don’t give up on the noxious weeds until you know they’re done for. Before you put the sprayer away, check the places where perennial weeds such as Canada thistle and leafy spurge have been.
Persistent perennials, of the noxious weed variety, may still be growing in many places where the plants are shielded from the cold. If there is green in the Canada thistle plant it’s not too late to treat the area for this year. Leafy spurge often turns to yellow and red in autumn. However, if there is white latex in a broken leafy spurge stem, herbicide application will still be effective.
During the fall noxious weeds often take on an appearance that looks ‘matted’, with leaves tightly drawn together. These plants are taking in water and nutrients to survive the cold winter months. Herbicides applied at this time are taken in with nutrients and often penetrate deep in to the root system. Be sure to scout the area where only a few plants are found. Treating a small patch now costs only a fraction of the cost to treat an acre or more next year.
Taking a GPS point or flagging the spot will help you find the patch more easily next spring.
Spend some time learning to identify all of Nebraska’s noxious and invasive weeds. Our busy lifestyle these days tends to help weeds and seeds spread rapidly to other places. Early detection and action NOW can help stop the spread of these noxious weeds and keep small infestations from becoming major headaches.
For more help with identification or treatment recommendations, contact Steven Gathman, Pierce County Weed Control Superintendent at 402-3296765 or email at [email protected] for more information.
