FAQs - Weed Management
What kind of thistle do I have?
There are 3 main thistles in La Plata County. Scotch thistle is very big and spiny with large gray/green leaves and large purple flowers. Musk thistle is tall, but have darker and smaller green leaves/stems with symmetrical leaves. They have single pinkish/purple flower heads. Canada thistle grows relatively shorter but in thicker stands, and have clustered seed he Read more »
What are Invasive Ornamentals?
There are several noxious weeds that have attractive looking flowers, but are highly invasive. These "escaped ornamentals" were introduced as flowers for gardens or as part of wildflower mixes and can spread rapidly. Read more »
Who can I hire to spray my weeds?
See a complete list of local applicators here.
Does the "Herbicide Cost-Share" program still exist?
Unfortunately no.
Due to budget cutbacks the County discontinued this program. It is uncertain if this program will be reinstated in the future.
For information about native and noxious weeds, where can I go?
Stop by the La Plata County Weed Office at 1060 E 2nd Avenue in Durango for forms, educational material, or to talk with the County Weed Manager, Rod Cook.
Here are some online resources relating to Noxious Plants:
What kind of herbicide should I use and when do I spray?
There are different herbicides for different types of weeds. Our information sheets (choose type and then follow link to info sheet) for each enforceable species gives several recommendations for herbicides as well as the ideal time for spraying.
What weeds can be controlled effectively by hand pulling or digging?
- Mowing does not have the same effectiveness as hand pulling or digging.
- Hand pull or dig when soil is moist.
- Hand pull or dig before flowering occurs, usually around June or July.
- If removed during or after flowering, bag and dispose of plants carefully so you will not scatter seeds.
Absinth wormwood- Make certain to pull all the roots, including short horizontal roots.
Musk, Scotch, Bull thistles- Cut tap root two inches below ground to prevent re-growth. Read more »
How do I report problem weeds?
- If your neighbor or a landowner has a significant weed problem*, the Adjacent Land Form can be filled out
(Must be a valid infestation and positively identified). - For county roads, use the County Roads Form.
Is mowing an effective way to control weeds?
For the most part, no. Mowing can actually increase shoot density of some plants with a creeping root system. Research has shown that several mowings on Canada thistle will introduce stress and set up the plant for a fall-applied herbicide. Read more »
Is tilling an effective way of controlling noxious weeds?
Not unless you have annual or bi-annual seed producing plants, and till before they produce seeds. Tilling can actually profoundly increase the size and density of weeds if used on root spreading plants like Canada thistle and Leafy spurge because the individual root segments will grow into separate plants. Tilling the soil can also invert the topsoil with sub soils, which may be of lesser quality soil.
