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.

Houndstongue- Cut taproot two inches below ground to prevent re-growth.  Old seed stalk:  Prior years dead plants with hanging seeds can be carefully cut at the bottom of the stalk then bagged.

Spotted knapweed- Be sure to hand pull or cut taproot at least 5 inches below soil to prevent re-growth before flowering and seed formation.

Oxeye daisy and Scentless chamomile - (recommended for new or small infestations) Hand pull or dig when soil is moist.  Oxeye is fairly shallow rooted- make sure to pull up all of the roots.

Myrtle and Cypress spurge- Make certain to pull all the roots.  Be careful and wear rubber gloves and eye protection, as the milky sap is caustic.