2006-07-31_REVISION - M1978327 (2)

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Specific management strategies for undesirable weeds are as follows: 1. Canada Thistle A. Mechanical and Chemical Control -Mowing can occur throughout the growing season in order to keep the plants from going to seed. Mowing should be terminated in late August followed by an herbicide treatment during late September through October, before a hard frost. B. Cultural and Chemical Control - Use a short residual herbicide followed by a seeding with a competitive grass such as smooth brome or other sod forming species (natives preferred). C. Chemical Control Only -Herbicide applications can be applied from rosette to bud stage and if needed, retreated in the fall. 2. Musk Thistle A. Mechanical and Chemical Control -Mowing to occur throughout the summer to address the bud stage of the thistle. Apply an herbicide in October to new rosettes and any bolted plants. B. Mechanical Control Only -Conduct multiple mowings during the summer (two to four) to keep seeds from being produced. C. Chemical Control Only - Use an herbicide that is not harniful to aquatic wildlife and vegetation in the spring and fall. 3. Diffuse Knapweed A. Cultural and Chemical Control -Apply herbicide in early summer when knapweed is in the rosette through bolting stage. Reseed azea with competitive perennial sod forming grasses. Another herbicide application utilized the following year as needed to prevent plants from going to seed. B. Mechanical and Chemical Control -During the growing season, mow when the knapweed is in the bud stage to prevent seeding. If necessary, an herbicide application to any plants that have re-bolted will be made in the fall. C. Mechanical Control Only - To reduce seed set, mow throughout the summer season. D. Chemical Control Only -The herbicide application is to be made during the rosette stage (spring or fall) and while bolting. 4. Russian Knapweed -This weed is typically not found in riparian or wetland azeas. However, if this undesirable plant is detected the following control techniques can be applied. A. Cultural and Chemical Control - An herbicide application, using short residual herbicides can be used followed up by seeding the area with a competitive grass such as smooth brome or other sod forming species. B. Mechanical and Chemical Control -Mowing can be carried out throughout the season with the first and successive mowing cycles carried out at the bud stage. A herbicide treatment can then be made in the fall before a hazd freeze. C. Mechanical Control Only -Mowing can be carried out throughout the season, which will reduce seed set. D. Chemical Control Only -Herbicide applications can be made to the knapweed during the bud stage and in the fall if necessary.