Why Weeds Are a Challenge in St. George:
In the hot, dusty climate of St. George, Utah, weeds can be a terrible problem. They can cover your property in a wilderness of torment and destroy what’s left of your land. Weeds in Southern Utah can be especially challenging to get rid of because of the dry, arid climate. Since Southern Utah is a desert, it allows hardier weeds to thrive in this unforgiving climate. Disturbed soil from construction and strong winds can also help the weeds to develop more quickly in the desert. So being aware of different weeds in St. George, as well as being aware of what services are available can be a great strength in your battle against weeds.
Common Weeds in St. George: 200 – 300
There are many kinds of weeds that can be found in St. George. Some of these weeds include the Bindweed and Russian Thistle, one of which is a noxious weed. The Bureau of Land Management explains, “Noxious weeds are invasive exotic plants designated by the State of Utah as being hazardous to public health, the environment or the economy.” (BLM) The Bindweed, (aka Convolvulus Arvensis L.) is the noxious weed, a terrible invasive species and difficult to remove. They grow just about anywhere and take up a large amount of land and soil moisture along the way. They can be destructive to your property and crop seeds if they’re not dealt with properly. Utah State University shares, “The competitive ability of field bindweed is due largely to its extensive root system. One plant is able to reduce the available soil moisture in the top 24 inches of soil below the “wilting point”. Field bindweed has deep roots that store carbohydrates and proteins. They help field bindweed spread vegetatively and allow it to resprout repeatedly following removal of above-ground growth. Eexudates from field bindweed roots decrease germination of some crop seeds.” (USU) The Bindweed can be an awful infestation and should be treated as such. If you find you have Bindweed on your property, they should be taken care of immediately.
Another weed you may be familiar with is the Russian Thistle (aka SalSola Tragus L. and the Tumbleweed). This weed is famous for being in different western films representing emptiness as it “tumbles” across the screen. When healthy, the Russian Thistle can be used to feed livestock, but they die easily and when they do, they can become a problem. They can be sharp and painful at the touch and the seeds spread everywhere. When they die, they usually break off their roots themselves which seems nice at first, but they seed and pile up quickly causing you to have issues in the future. If you happen to find a weed like this on your property, it’s wise to dispose of them immediately or they can be a great challenge to get rid of. Weeds can be detrimental to your property if not dealt with properly, especially noxious weeds. So be wary of what weeds are on your property and be sure to deal with them correctly and straight away.
Professional Weed Management Benefits:
Weeds can be a difficult problem to get rid of, especially in St. George, filling up your garden beds and overrunning your property. If your land is infested with weeds, they can often be taken care of on your own, but other times they require the help of professionals. Professionals, particularly local ones, have a keener eye for identifying local weeds and can apply target treatments to the weeds identified. They can also offer long-term strategies to help prevent the weeds from regrowing and reduce the risk of damaging or harming your landscaping, your pets, and law compliances. In addition, most professionals can help manage noxious weeds according to Utah regulations. Professionals can be a great help against your battle against weeds, providing you with the extra tools and knowledge you need. Being aware of the professionals in your area as well as how they can help you will be a great strength as you try to get rid of your weeds.
Sources:
- Utah Department of Agriculture & Food – Noxious Weed List
https://ag.utah.gov/plant-industry/noxious-weed-control-resources/state-of-utah-noxious-weed-list/ - Utah Administrative Code – Utah Noxious Weed Act (R68‑9)
https://utrules.elaws.us/uac/r68-9 - Salt Lake County Noxious Weed Program
https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/health/weeds - Utah State University Extension – Common Weeds
https://extension.usu.edu/smallfarms/plants/weeds - BLM Utah – Weed & Invasive Management
https://www.blm.gov/programs/weeds-and-invasives/blm-control-strategies/utah
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food https://ag.utah.gov/plant-industry/noxious-weed-control-resources/state-of-utah-noxious-weed-list