Noxious Weeds - FAQ's

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are noxious weeds?

A noxious weed is any plant growing outside its natural habitat. These non-native plants become problems because they are invasive and able to spread quickly in a variety of ways.

How did they get here?

Most plants come from Europe or Asia. These plants can be brought in by a variety of means. Seeds attached to boats, cars, and trains are unknowingly transported to new areas where they grow and spread. Many have been sold as ornamental plants and have escaped the garden and spread to the wild.

Why are they a problem?

While noxious weeds are often pretty, their effects are not With no natural enemies in their new environments, the weeds are able to spread uncontrollably. As the noxious weeds multiply, the number of native plants can be vastly reduced. Since wildlife is dependent on native plants as their food source, an increase in noxious weeds means a decrease in the native wildlife.

What do I do if I have one of these weeds?

Once you discover a noxious weed on your property it is important to act. An integrated approach including one or more techniques will provide the best chance of success.

Biological control - Taking natural predators of weeds and releasing them to feed on and reduce the number of weeds in that area.

Cultural - Mulching, Revegetation, Grazing, Fertilization

Chemical - Using herbicides to kill weeds.

Mechanical - Hand pulling, mowing, and weed whipping.

Remember that weed control is a process and may take repeated efforts over time to see results. Not all weeds will respond to all methods.

What does the law say?

The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS 35-5.5) was passed in 1990. This law requires all public and private landowners in the State of Colorado to maintain control over certain noxious weeds. This law addresses the severe threat that these non-native plants pose to native plant communities, wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and property values within the State. If a landowner has noxious weeds on their property, they are required to prevent their spread.

What if I still have questions?

Contact Jefferson County Weed and Pest Department Alicia Doran at (303)271-5989

>Go to JeffCo's Noxious Weed List for ID and Control Info

>Links to Other Resources

Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:18 PM