Weed War – CAREJeffco

Deer in a Canadian thistle thicket

Weeds are a growing concern in our neighborhood. Many homeowner associations and individuals informed C.A.R.E. that they felt overwhelmed by the numbers of weeds after last summer’s rains, particularly, the Bull, Canada and Musk thistles. Even thistle thickets like the one above can be overcome. Meadow following Canadian thistle removal Read how to achieve a thistle-free pasture that looks like this meadow.

The Mission of the C.A.R.E. Weed Committee is to maintain the natural heritage of the neighborhood we live in by preserving native plant species and mitigate the spread of invasive weed species. By working with nature we can preserve the essence of the Ponderosa pine woodlands and savanna natural communities that are located within our neighborhoods. Together we can reduce the use of water, reduce erosion, reduce the risk of fire (native species are tougher during droughts), and enhance the natural beauty of this unique part of Colorado, making our neighborhoods more beautiful, sustainable and safer.

Neighbors who had worked hard to eliminate noxious weeds despaired because neighboring areas were infested, so the weeds would return. C.A.R.E. hopes to help share information on what works, investigate grants and foster cooperation in dealing with this invasion. C.A.R.E. is contacting Jefferson County regarding the weeds on Apex Trail and along Denver rights-of-way over weeds on their lands that lie in our neighborhoods. Mount Vernon Country Club Metro District pioneered the use of goats several years ago because weed seeds swallowed by goats are destroyed in their digestive systems. Mount Vernon is now experimenting with the use of a fungus that only attacks thistle. Genesee has shown good weed control over the years.

Fighting other noxious weeds

Here are steps you can take yourself to control and eradicate noxious weeds (Check Guidelines and website for the specific weed you are working on):

Prevention: The KEY to control for all weeds is to prevent seed production and their spread.

Pulling: If there are manageable numbers of weeds then it might be best to pull them, roots and all, and immediately put in a plastic bag. If you have a large number of weeks, cut off the heads with a lawnmower which has a collection bag. Warning! Myrtle Spurge requires extra protection.

Spraying: Spraying with chemicals.
If you decide to do it yourself be sure to follow the directions on the label.

Eliminate Bare Ground:
Over-seed your land with Native Mountain Grass Seed specific for the Front Range Area (designed for 6,000 to 10,000 feet) available at:

Denver Federal Center
Building 56, Room 2604
PO Box 25426
Denver, CO 80225-0426
Direct Phone Number: 720-544-2869
BE SURE TO CALL AHEAD to order your seed and make arrangements to pick up. The guards will not allow you past their gate without a contact name and phone number (which they will call upon your arrival).

Arkansas Valley Seed Co.
4300 Monaco Street
Denver, CO 80216
Phone: 303-320-7500
Fax:303-320-7516
https://avseeds.com/
Custom Mixes Available for 1/2 to 1 Acre Minimums

Pawnee Buttes Seed, Inc.
P.O. Box 100
605 25th Street
Greeley, CO 80632
Phone: 1-800-782-5947
http://pawneebuttesseed.com
Pawnee Buttes Seed Co has designed seed mixes for each of the major fires that have occurred in Colorado.

Suggested native plants for our front range by the Colorado Native Plant Society.

Fertilize – Nitrogen fertilization favors weeds, so do it carefully but fertilize because it can help your grasses compete with the weeds. There is a special organic lawn fertilizer for Colorado soils and climate called Alpha One Lawn II Plus Iron. Products are organic and pet friendly. See product description @ http://alphaoneinc.com

If you or your HOA wish to hire a weed management company it is wise to contact them as early as possible because they get booked up fast. Jeffco has noted the growing infestation and started issuing citations on weeds to folks in our neighborhoods.

Having noxious weeds on our property is against the law. The State has RULES PERTAINING TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE COLORADO NOXIOUS WEED ACT which might be of some interest.

In Colorado, realtors and sellers are required to disclose the presence of noxious and invasive weeds to the buyer.

The weeds listed below have decided to make Lookout, Lininger, Genesee Mountain and Mount Vernon their home. They were chosen because of their presence and classification by the state.