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TURKEY CREEK CD's Noxious WEED CONTROL PROGRAM FOR PUEBLO COUNTY PAGE 4 OF 10 <br /> Russian-Olive Tree(Elaeagnus angustifolia): <br /> Russian-olive is a perennial tree or shrub. These plants are long-lived and will grow and spread year <br /> after year. Russian-olive can reproduce both by seeds and by its extensive root system which <br /> frequently sprouts root suckers. Seeds can remain viable for up to 3 years. Many different control <br /> methods can be used on Russian-olive. Mechanical, cultural, and chemical controls have all proven <br /> effective on Russian-olive. Consider both the size of the Russian-olive trees/shrubs and the <br /> infestation level when choosing a control method. Also consider the habitat and the intended use of <br /> the area when choosing a control method. An integrated approach that combines several types of <br /> control methods with proper timing will work best. <br /> ❖ Russian-olive is not well controlled by mechanical methods alone. However mechanical <br /> controls prove very useful when combined with other control methods. Due to its extensive root <br /> system, resprouting is common with the removal of these plants. Russian-olive will form new <br /> sprouts at each point where its root system is broken. Stump sprouting commonly occurs after <br /> cutting down a tree and excavating the entire stump can trigger root sprouting. Sprouting may <br /> occur below the cut area and/or along the root line. Therefore, mechanical methods should be <br /> followed up with herbicide applications to the re-sprouts. <br /> • Mechanical methods used to control Russian-olive include: cutting/chopping, <br /> grinding/chipping/shredding, pulling/chaining, plowing/disking, and mowing. Equipment <br /> used in the mechanical control of Russian-olive include: loppers, axes, power shears, <br /> chainsaws, weed-wrenches,root plows, bulldozers, timber mulchers, brush mowers, etc. <br /> • When pulling Russian-olive plants, any remaining exposed roots should be cut off below <br /> ground level and buried. <br /> • Depending on the size and location of the Russian-olive plants,mowing can be an effective <br /> control method. Mowing can reduce the canopy density, stress the plants, and inhibit <br /> flowering. Mowing saplings and/or hedges with a brush-type mower. Cut material will need <br /> to be removed from the site and disposed of properly because the pieces may root and <br /> resprout. Mowing can be done on stems less than one(1)inch in diameter and should be <br /> done once or twice annually. <br /> ❖ Russian-olive control is increased with cultural methods. Revegetation is very important in <br /> Russian-olive control as the desirable plants will provide competition. After managing Russian- <br /> olive infestations, other desirable vegetation must be established(grass and forb seeding, <br /> cottonwood and/or willow cuttings)to prevent both the re-invasion of Russian-olive and/or a <br /> secondary weed infestation in the newly exposed area. <br /> ❖ Russian-olive is best controlled with herbicides. Herbicide applications on Russian-olive can be <br /> successfully accomplished at most times of the year(depending on method used and weather <br /> permitting). An appropriate surfactant mixed with the herbicide(refer to the label)will aid with <br /> the absorption of the herbicide into the plant and you will achieve better control results <br /> ❖ An aquatic-safe approved herbicide, (such as Habitat)is a great quality to have in an herbicide <br /> when applying near any kind of riparian areas or drainages, as is common with most Russian- <br /> olive infestations. Care must be taken to avoid spraying herbicides near water unless they are <br /> specifically labeled for aquatic use. An aquatic-approved herbicide is required when <br /> applications will be made over water or come in contact with surface water. <br /> ❖ There are a number of types of treatments and application methods that can be used on Russian- <br /> olive. The best method to use depends on the characteristics of the infestation itself. For large <br />