The following methods of control are all approved weed management practices.  Best results can be obtained by combining several of these methods, also known as Integrated Weed Management (IWM).
 

• Prevention- This involves not allowing noxious weeds to become established.  It can be the most effective, economical and desired weed control practice.  Prevention involves:  use of certified seed, weed seed free hay, clean gravel, soil and fill dirt, maintaining fence rows, irrigation ditches, washing vehicles, avoid overgrazing and reseed disturbed soil.

• Education- This includes holding trainings for groups of landowners, realtors, cooperative agencies, homeowners associations, 4-H groups and anyone else interested in learning about weeds and control methods.

• Mapping- Mapping is an important tool in IWM. 

• Cultural- A combination of practices such as rotating crops, disrupting weed life cycles, planting competitive crops, mulching, burning, grazing.

• Mechanical-This involves using methods to physically remove target weeds including: cultivation, hoeing, hand pulling, and mowing.

• Biological- This method utilized the introduction of species specific natural enemies of a particular weed species.  It can include insects, fungi and diseasees that attack the target weed while not affecting desirable species.  Effective biocontrol depends on the use of several insects that attack different plant parts.

• Chemical- The use of herbicides to control noxious weeds.  Chemical control is the most commonly used method of weed control. Check with the Lake County Weed District for chemical recommendations.  REMEMBER make sure to read the entire label BEFORE spraying.

Picture: http://missoulaeduplace.org/weeds_management.shtml