New Weed Treatment Guide Available from UW Extension

University of Wyoming Extension has released a new, user-friendly resource to help gardeners, landowners and agricultural producers identify effective weed control options.

The digital guide, which is presented in an easy-to-read table format, offers treatment suggestions for specific Wyoming state-designated noxious weeds, county-declared weeds and common garden weeds. Potential control methods for each weed are ranked as effective, somewhat effective and ineffective.

In addition to the table, which lists treatment options for more than 50 weed species, the guide also provides general weed control tips and recommendations for further reading.

"I wanted to create a 'one-stop shop' for people trying to treat weed problems," says Abby Perry, UW Extension educator and author of the new publication. "I also wanted to create something that gave people options for success but also options to avoid, and I think this table lets them do that at a glance."

While the guide was compiled with Wyoming residents in mind, many of the species listed also affect gardeners and producers on a regional scale.

Depending on the target species, control options may include hand pulling, tilling, mowing, revegetation or outcompeting, smothering, grazing, herbicide treatments or biological control. If more than one option is listed as effective, Perry suggests experimenting with a combination of strategies, an approach that often improves overall control.

She also emphasizes that, while the peer-reviewed, research-based guide is a handy tool, each person's situation is unique.

"Treatment methods can behave differently in different ecosystems across the state and within different landscape settings," she advises.

To download a free copy of the new publication, titled "Weed Treatment Options," go here. For more information, call (307) 328-2642 or email Perry at [email protected].

For assistance with weed identification, contact a local extension or weed and pest district office. For advice on creating a comprehensive management plan, contact a local weed and pest office.

About University of Wyoming Extension

UW Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state's 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, UW Extension upholds the university's land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages.

UW Extension staff members help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.