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1. Vegetation Management

Gardening Resources

Jefferson County CSU Extension offers extensive classes, resources, and advice about caring for garden plants and diagnosing plant health problems. If you have questions about your plants, certified Master Gardeners are available May-September through a hotline 303-271-6632 or email [email protected].

Gardening and landscaping with native plants helps manage noxious weeds and provides food for native birds and beneficial insects. Jefferson County CSU Extension Natural Resources program provides an inclusive list of resources helpful to planning and caring for a native plant garden, including low-water native plant guides, plant reference lists, and a plant sourcing guide. The Native Plant Master Program from CSU Extension is another way to learn about native plants through classes, certifications, and volunteer opportunities.

Noxious Weed Management

Jeffco Invasive Species Management provides technical support to private and public landowners to assist them in identifying and managing noxious weeds and ensuring compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture website offers a wide range of resources including a species identification page, detailed mapping information, recent publications on noxious weeds, and tips on early detection.

For large acre noxious weed mitigation projects, Jefferson Conservation District offers education and technical assistance to help landowners use native plants to address noxious weed issues. Jefferson Conservation District also offers native grass and wildflower seeds for purchase. These seeds are selected for species that thrive in Jefferson County’s native plant communities and soil types. Jefferson Conservation District is available at 720-661-1738.

Detailed information on managing weeds in Colorado can also be found through CSU Extension’s Small Acreage Management program.

2. Pest Management

Plant Disease and Pests

Jefferson County CSU Extension houses an on-site walk-in plant diagnostic clinic, which offers a diagnosis of fungal and bacterial infection, viruses, and pine wilt nematode detection. Visit the plant diagnostic clinic website for instructions on bringing a sample and information about services and fees.

The Colorado State Forest Service provides extensive reports and data on pests and plant disease across the state, as well as those specific to the Golden area. The Forest Service also provides additional resources for homeowners to manage forest pests on their land.

Forest Insect Pests

Jefferson County Invasive Species Management provides technical support to private and public landowners to assist them in identifying and managing invasive pests and ensuring compliance with the Colorado Pest Act. Find information on Douglass Fir Tussock Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, Mountain Pine Beetle, and more.

Jefferson County CSU Extension provides numerous fact sheets to help landowners identify and manage their forest insect pests.

The Colorado State Forest Service provides additional reports and data on pests and plant disease across the state, as well as those specific to the Golden area. The Forest Service also provides additional resources for homeowners to manage forest pests on their land. 

Emerald Ash Borer

On 6/18/2020 Arvada announced that it had confirmed Emerald Ash Borer.  This is the first confirmed sighting in Jefferson County. An estimated 15% or more of all urban and community trees in Colorado are ash species susceptible to being killed by Emerald Ash Borer. Learn more and find out what you can do from Jefferson County Invasive Species Management. Additional resources can be found on CSU's Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) page. They provide information on how to identify an Ash tree, offer management resources, and a video on how to identify Emerald Ash Borer tree symptoms. 

If you suspect Emerald Ash Borer in your community, contact your local CSFS office. 

Nuisance Wildlife

Jefferson County Invasive Species Management provides technical support to private and public landowners to assist them in identifying and managing invasive pests and ensuring compliance with the Colorado Pest Act. Find information on vertebrate pests including prairie dogs, mice and voles, and woodpeckers or information about Douglass Fir Tussock Moth, Emerald Ash Borer, Mountain Pine Beetle, and more.

For information on laws pertaining to controlling, removing, and relocating wildlife on your property download the Nuisance Wildlife laws brochure from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Jeffco Animal Control and Colorado Parks and Wildlife do not provide pest removal services. For pest removal services, please contact a private company. Jeffco does not endorse any particular service or company and strongly recommends that consumers check references, licenses, insurance, and bonding before hiring any company. A partial list of companies in the area is maintained by Jeffco Animal Control.