Code Enforcement News

BINDWEED CONTROL...AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION GOES A LONG WAY

As the winter season draws to a close and the warmer temperatures arrive, regular yard maintenance should be on everyone's mind.  One of the most common noxious weeds to deal with in Colorado is the Field Bindweed.  This non-native deep-rooted perennial emerges from its root system in the spring, and flowers from June to September.  A single bindweed plant can produce 25 to 300 seeds.  Those seeds can survive in soils ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation for up to 40 years.

Prevention is the best way to control bindweed.  However, if you do detect signs of this rapidly spreading weed in your yard, containment and persistence in controlling the growth are the next best options.   Because the taproot can extend 20 feet deep into the soil, a weed control action plan that includes “stressing” of the primary root system will yield the best results.  The use of herbicides is the most effective way to stress the root system.  Constant weed management will cause the root system to exhaust its nutrient supplies therefore depleting the soil seed bank.  Because Field Bindweed is designated as a “List C” weed species on the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, it is required to be eradicated, contained or suppressed.

The Town of Hudson's Code Enforcement Officer, Robbie Dodge, asks for your help with regards to weed control.  Under Section 10-56 of the Hudson Municipal Code, it is unlawful for the owner or occupant of any property to permit weeds to grow on such property to a height of more than six (6) inches.  For the purposes of this section, property shall include any adjacent alleys, streets and sidewalk areas to the centerline of such adjacent areas.  As for properties zoned agricultural or open space, it is unlawful for the owner or occupant to permit weeds to grow on such property to a height of more than six (6) inches within a distance of one hundred (100) feet from any property line.

We greatly appreciate your efforts to maintain the quality of your lawns.  In fact, many residents have begun the process of improving and enhancing their yards with new landscaping since the completion of the town-wide street paving project.  Your continued assistance and support are key to our Town’s image.

For more information on the Weld County Weed Management Program click here.

For more information on plants and lawns visit the Colorado State University Extension Services website by clicking here.