Noxious weeds are ‘bad actors of the plant world’

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Once again, it’s that time of year when we at the Preble Soil and Water Conservation District make our impassioned plea for weed control. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we want to take this moment to remind you of the importance of controlling noxious weeds in your neighborhood. Whether you find them in a road ditch, fence row, farm field, or other odd areas, noxious weeds are bad actors of the plant world.

Poison hemlock is already several feet tall and growing rapidly. Canada thistle and wild parsnip are actively growing. Now is the time to get a jump on these weeds before they go to seed and spread further.

With the privilege of owning property comes the responsibility to control noxious weeds. We encourage all property owners and land users to be on the watch for these weeds, as well as other problem plants, as you are out and about this spring. Weeds can be controlled by either mowing and/or spraying, depending on the species and the surrounding vegetation. Proper timing can be critical for successful weed control.

Not sure what weeds you’re battling? Many weed ID resources are available online. One good tool is available at http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/TURF/PESTS/beginkey.html. In addition, various apps are available in your app store by searching for ‘Weed ID.’ Also, don’t hesitate to call the Preble Soil and Water Conservation District at 937-456-5159 with questions.

By BJ Price

Preble SWCD Technician

Reach BJ Price at the Preble SWCD at 937-456-5159.

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