Roadsides and Non-crop Areas: Roadside Weed Control

Excerpt from 2008 Chapter 18, Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control, Order this publication

Roadside Weed Control

The main objectives of a weed control program for roadsides are:

1. to control tall growing weeds so that mowing costs can be minimized
2. to control weeds that may infest adjacent land by wind dispersal of seed;
3. to maintain an attractive grass cover that will minimize erosion problems;
4. to prevent buildup of excessive vegetation that can become a fire hazard in the late summer or complicate snow removal in winter; and most importantly,
5. to ensure highway safety.

Most broadleaf weeds are susceptible to early summer applications of 2,4-D and related herbicides (see Table 18-2, Classification of Weeds According to Response to Various Foliage Sprays). However, many weeds are not effectively controlled by 2,4-D mixtures and these resistant weeds can become an increasing problem unless other herbicides are used. It may be justified using spot treatments with non selective chemicals that may temporarily injure the grass to control isolated, but dense, patches of difficult weeds before they spread and become a problem over a large area.

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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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