Weed Spraying FAQ for Homeowners
Weed Spraying FAQ for Homeowners
I see people out spraying the open space, what are they doing?
Weed Wranglers is a contractor that has been hired to control noxious weeds on our open space. They are searching for and treating invasive weeds in order to prevent them from outcompeting the desirable native species.
What are they spraying?
They are using herbicides diluted in water. These are materials licensed and approved by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Agriculture that are specifically designed to kill undesirable weed species while leaving desirable plants unharmed. Specific materials are chosen based on the weed species present, the time of year, weather conditions, and recommendations by sources such as the Colorado State University Extension Service. The Weed Wranglers technicians are trained to carefully apply herbicides only on areas where noxious weeds are present.
Is it safe?
These materials have been extensively tested for adverse effects on humans, animals, birds, insects, aquatic species, and other environmental factors. Application technicians are required to use herbicides in compliance with the product label, which is a legal document attached to every herbicide container. The risk of acute or chronic injury to humans, pets, or wildlife is quite low - well within the range of other normal daily activities.
How long should I stay off the trails?
The best practice is to stay out of areas that have had herbicide applied until the material has dried. Depending on weather conditions, this can be anywhere from a few minutes to two hours. The Weed Wranglers technicians will post yellow flags showing the date and specifically which products have been applied.
How do I find out more information about treatment areas?
Click HERE for date of treatment, products used, and a map of treated area. Corresponding product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be found HERE.
Is this even necessary?
The state of Colorado has clearly defined noxious weed laws to limit the spread of invasive species and preserve native habitat. These laws require land managers such as the Leyden Rock Metropolitan District to actively manage noxious weeds. In addition, the presence of invasive noxious weeds can have a significant effect on property values and reduce the presence of native wildlife. Ongoing noxious weed management is necessary to ensure that we can continue to enjoy our beautiful open spaces