When you spot a weed in your yard, it can be tempting to grab some chemical and start spraying.
Before you get to that point, it is important to decide if you need to use chemicals.
If it’s a handful of annual weeds in your garden, then hand-pulling will do just fine. If it’s a single musk thistle rosette, a spade or the toe of your boot will also do the trick. Even small or new populations of perennial weeds like yellow toadflax and oxeye daisy can be pulled due to their shallow root system, though with these remember to keep an eye on the spot for future resprouts (also bag and dispose of all plant parts, and do not put them in your compost).
If you’ve determined the problem is large enough that it makes sense both economically and will save you time to spray, then there is one more step before you are off on your mission: You must read the product label. The label is a legal document for how the herbicide can be applied and includes information such as personal protective equipment, first aid measures, rates for application and environmental precautions.
First and foremost, when using an herbicide, you must be aware of how to keep yourself, others on your property, neighbors and the environment safe. Some herbicides like 2,4-D should not be applied in high temperatures due to the possibility of volatilization where the chemical evaporates and can move off-site and can damage other sensitive species and your neighbor’s vegetable garden could become off target damage. If your property is along a waterway, select a product that can be used up to the water’s edge or you will need to include a buffer in your treatment zone and use a different control measure near the water.
For slow-acting herbicides like glyphosate or metsulfuron methyl, it is important to know how long these chemicals take to work and what the symptoms of damage are. These chemicals can take up to 10 days before it is evident that they are working, and a retreatment is not necessary. Using the correct rate will also increase the efficacy of the application. Newer herbicides have lower use rates, and more is not better. Broadleaf herbicides may damage grasses if the rate is greatly increased.
When applying herbicides, calibrate your equipment so you know the rate of output. This will ensure that you are applying the correct amount of herbicide. Proper calibration saves you money, time and ensures that your weeds will be controlled. There are many videos of calibration online, and the Archuleta County Weed and Pest Department has worksheets that can be used to calibrate your equipment.
If you need further assistance, call the office and we can either schedule a site visit or help you out over the phone.
When applying pesticides, understand that not every herbicide can be used on every property or site.
Many products are labeled for either pastureland and/or turf. Your neighbor or friend may use a different product than will be appropriate for your property.
For example, aminopyralid is not labeled for application in manicured turf and is very effective on thistle, but should not be applied close to ornamental plantings. In these cases, triclopyr would be a better alternative and is labelled for application in turf.
Swirling around the internet is a plethora of publications hailing the use of household salt and household vinegar for their weed killing properties. However, neither of these products are labeled for managing weeds and may have detrimental effects on the environment. Horticultural vinegar can be purchased, which will have use sites on the label as well as directions for use just like a synthetic herbicide.
When using organic herbicides, you may need to use the same personal protective equipment as when applying synthetic herbicides. Chemical-resistant gloves are always a good idea, as well as safety glasses if damage to the eyes is a concern.
Horticultural vinegar can be effective at controlling annual weeds in driveways, cracks in concrete, patios, etc., but it is nonselective and may damage other plants around the site of application. It is also a contact herbicide and will only damage the part of the plant that it is applied to. It will not damage the root system. Depending on your target weed species, vinegar may not be an effective choice.
However, your control choices are ultimately up to you and there is more than one way to kill a weed. If you prefer to manage your property without using synthetic herbicides, it doesn’t mean that you need to use an organic herbicide.
We will explore other control methods in other articles throughout this season, but if you are dying to know now, feel free to email, call or schedule a property visit.
To close out this article, remember to read the label. It won’t just keep you, the public and the environment safe — it’s the law.
Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
Seed potatoes, seed
onions for sale
Seed potatoes and seed onions are for sale. Place your order today for Colorado certified and non-GMO seed potatoes. Five varieties of potatoes are available.
Order by April 30 and pick up your potatoes May 12, 13 and 14 at the CSU Extension Office. Visit archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931to learn more and place your order today.
Be Prepared for an Emergency workshop
Learn how to prepare for emergencies and protect your land at the Be Prepared for an Emergency workshop with Cindi Galabota, CSU Extension director; Lacy Capre, Archuleta County Public Health outreach specialist; and friends.
The workshop will be at 9 a.m. on May 9 at the CSU Extension Building at 344 U.S. 84. This free workshop will cover the best practices for preparing for and recovery from an emergency.
Learn to can dandelion jelly
Not sure what to do with all those dandelions? Turn them into food. Learn up-to-date canning recommendations, food safety preservation practices, high-altitude adjustments and more on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension office. The cost is $25 per person for one jar of jelly. Call (970) 264-5931 to register today.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension building, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, archuleta.extension.colostate.edu.
Join the fair board
Join the Archuleta County Fair Board and make history. Be a part of preserving the rich heritage and timeless tradition of the Archuleta County Fair and help plan the 75th anniversary Fair in 2026.
You’ll contribute to an annual tradition that brings our community together, supports local agriculture and creates lasting memories for generations to come. To learn more, contact Tonya Steadmon at tsteadmon@archuletacounty.gov or (970) 264-5931.
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