Declare War On Obnoxious Yard Invaders
That’s it. I’ve quit weeding for the day. Hidden within a clump of weeds was a Canada thistle. Unknowningly I grabbed the clump. My well-worn glove gave my hand little protection against the plant’s spiny barbs.
It is truly an unfriendly intruder. For years, I have fought to eradicate it, but it keeps finding its way back into the garden.
Canada thistle isn’t the only trespasser to invade my flower beds. Over the years, I’ve discovered a group of notorious specimens whose only goal in life is to strangle, smother or crowd out desired plants. All of them have been categorized as noxious weeds. They are knapweed, skeletonweed, starthistle, toadflax, bugloss and of course, Canada thistle.
What characteristics make a plant noxious as opposed to being just a plain nuisance? According to Washington state law (Chapter 17.10 RCW), a noxious weed is “any plant which, when established, is highly destructive, competitive, or difficult to control by cultural or chemical practices.”
Some of these weeds have the capability of poisoning or injuring people and livestock. Some compete with edible crops or forage crops for livestock and wildlife. Some create fire hazards, while others make outdoor activities unpleasant with their thorns and allergy-triggering potential. Some species threaten wetlands and choke out other plants.
To help identify these particular weeds and to recommend control methods and policies, county weed boards have been established throughout the state. The Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board is at 222 N. Havana, just south of the Interstate Fairgrounds. It is open year round and can be reached at (509) 456-5777.
Members of the board will help landowners identify noxious weeds. They also travel throughout the county locating problem areas. When these areas are identified, landowners are either personally contacted or sent a weed notice. Under the law, it is the landowners’ responsibility to control noxious weeds on their land.
The weed board does not do actual weed spraying. It can, however, recommend a spray company or an alternative means of controlling the weed. If the landowner does not take action, the weed board will step in and control the weeds at the landowner’s expense.
The weed board does not spray weeds along county roads. They are eliminated by the county roads department.
Everyone can help control noxious weeds. We should keep the weeds we do have from going to seed and prevent the introduction of new weeds into our area. The best way to start is to learn what weeds we have on our property. If we can’t recognize one weed from another, we can collect a specimen, roots and all, and take it to the county extension or the county weed board office for identification.
Weeds can be controlled by mowing, digging, hoeing, pulling and spraying. Even some insects have been known to help control some weeds. If you live around water - lakes, streams and ponds - keep in mind that you may not use chemical sprays in or near the water without an aquatic license.
Because of limited money and personnel, it is impossible for the weed board to inspect every vacant lot or county roadway. Therefore, citizens are strongly encouraged to report any massive weed infestations they may observe.
Read the contents of birdseed and wildflower mixtures. This is one way new weeds are introduced into the area. A dried floral arrangement may be lovely in the house, but once it has seen its day, it may be a carrier of potential weed seeds. Know what flowers are in the arrangement before shaking it out in the garden.
Next week we will look at some of the individual weeds on the noxious weed list and talk about their controls. Until then, it’s back outside, this time with a pair of leather gloves and a more watchful eye.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Phyllis Stephens The Spokesman-Review