Managing Weeds on Roadsides, Rights-of-Ways,
Fencerows, and Non-crop Areas
| Author: |
OMAFRA Staff
|
| Creation Date: |
25 November
2002
|
| Last Reviewed: |
20 June 2008
|
Excerpt from 2008 Chapter 18, Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control, Order
this publication
 Table
of Contents
- Fencerows and Farm Areas
- Roadsides, Rights-of-Ways and Waste Places
- Related Links
Fencerows and Farm Areas
In agricultural areas, weeds growing in fencerows, around buildings and
on roadsides are sources of potential weed infestation to other parts
of a farm. In addition, brush and weeds around fields harbor insects,
diseases and other pests that may be detrimental to farming operations.
Shrubs like wild cherry may be possible sources of livestock poisoning.
Farmers may also wish to reclaim land on which willows or brush have
encroached. It is important to keep drainage ditches and farm ponds free
of troublesome aquatic vegetation.
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Roadsides, Rights-of-Ways and Waste Places
Road maintenance personnel are interested in controlling weeds and brush
to reduce the cost of winter snow removal programs. Low vegetation will
also give the road user clear view of other vehicles, animals, children
and other hazards. It is important to prevent brush encroachment onto
the roadway proper, to keep the drainage ditches open to prevent flooding
and to minimize the fire hazard of tall, dry vegetation in the late summer.
A grass cover also prevents soil erosion much better than weeds.
Both railway and power supply authorities are concerned with maintaining
safe and accessible rights-of-way by controlling growth of weeds and brush.
In certain areas (beneath guide rails, in storage yards, under railway
tracks and under fences at road intersections), it may be advantageous
to completely kill all vegetation for a longer period of time. Herbicides
and suggestions for their use in this way are presented in the section
on Long Term Total Vegetation
Control.
In roadside and right-of-way spraying, for weed control or brush control,
precautions should always be taken to minimize herbicide drift. It is
advisable to inspect or monitor each roadside just prior to spraying to
locate susceptible crops, water crossings and other sensitive areas. Appropriate
"shut off" and "turn on" points should be marked so
these areas can be avoided during the actual spray operation.
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Related Links
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
|
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