Roadsides and Non-crop Areas: Vegetation Control - Long Term Non-selective

Vegetation Control - Long Term Non-selective

• CAUTION: These chemicals should not be used to treat areas that are close to gardens, desirable trees, etc. Since these chemicals are non-selective (will kill any plant that they contact), special care must be used in their application. If the area (for example, a driveway) is higher than a nearby lawn, the chemical may wash onto the lawn with the first rain. If trees or shrubs are feeding under the treated areas, the chemical may leach to their roots and cause injury.
• It may be desirable to maintain certain areas completely free of vegetation. Usually two problems are involved. First, the existing vegetation must be destroyed, including the destruction of underground stems and roots of perennials. Second, the bare area thus produced must be maintained either by persistent soil active chemicals or by foliage treatment of weed seedlings.
• Some chemicals will kill existing vegetation. Others, while excellent for maintaining the bare area, may be used more economically if combined with another chemical to kill existing growth. If a mixed population of weeds is present, combinations of chemicals that will kill the different weed types may be used advantageously.
• Uniform coverage with all chemicals is essential. Touch up operations should be expected, as a single treatment will seldom give complete eradication.
• Usually two applications of the lower recommended rate (i.e., 5.5-11 kg/ha), depending on the chemical used, spaced 6 to 12 months apart, give better results than one single application of the higher recommended rate. This approach also reduces the risk of off-site movement.
• The length of weed control obtained will depend on several factors which include rainfall, soil type, weed type and amount of chemical applied. Control is usually maintained longer in heavier soil types, while in sandy soils and gravel areas the length of effective control is much less.
• Care should be exercised when selecting a chemical to use on driveways because washing of the chemical onto nearby lawns and gardens may occur. In situations where this may occur it is advisable to use one of the chemicals listed under Short Term Total Vegetation Control or Driveways And Patios.
• The following precautions will reduce the risk of off-site movement:
  1. Always follow the manufacturers label;
  2. Use the lower recommended rate whenever possible;
  3. Do NOT apply where runoff water may flow onto agricultural land as injury to crops may result;
  4. Keep herbicides away from areas where tree roots may extend into the treated area or in locations where the chemical may be washed or moved into contact with their roots (maintain a distance from the tree equal to at least twice the distance from the tree trunk to the dripline);
  5. Do NOT apply close to ponds, lakes, streams and wetland areas;
  6. These products should be applied by properly licenced applicators.

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Related Links

• Weeds in Ontario
• Problem Weed Control in Field Crops
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Pesticide Application and Safety
• Pesticide Companies and Agents
• OMAFRA Sprayer Calibration Calculator
• Search the PMRA website
• OMAFRA Publication 505: Ontario Weeds
• OMAFRA Publication 75: Guide To Weed Control

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