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Weed Management

Identifying Plants

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has evaluated the noxious weed situation in Colorado. As a result they have created a control hierarchy.

Controlling Weeds

These pages discuss various control options for plants including biological control, fire, grazing, herbicides and seeding.

Picture of one educational display Welcome to the Weed Division website. We hope you can easily find the answer you are looking for here. If not please call 970-400-3770 to speak with someone from the Weed Division.

The Weld County Weed Division has three distinct tasks. These tasks include landowner compliance/education, mowing and spraying. For more information click on this division tasks link(PDF, 153KB).

Weed vs. Noxious Weed

Any plant that is growing where you do not want it to grow can be a weed. The important differentiation is between a weed and a noxious weed. A noxious weed is a legal term that is classified by several key characteristics. 1. It is a plant that is non-native to Colorado (and most likely the United States). 2. It is very invasive and spreads easily without human assistance. 3. It displaces native vegetation. And 4. The plant may be toxic to livestock, wildlife and humans (if consumed).

Weed Management History in Colorado

Prior to 1990’s Colorado had weed districts that usually had a mill-levy associated with them. Each district could select what weeds they were concerned with. In the 1990’s the law was changed to create County-wide programs if the voters chose to change. Most did. However a few Counties still operate under taxing districts. With this change the Colorado Department of Agriculture put all of the weeds of concern onto one big list that Counties could select from; kind of like al-a-carte. There wasn’t any real consistency around the state.

Then in 2004, the law was changed once again and the A, B and C lists were created. A list species are set for mandatory eradication all over the State of Colorado. The B list species are set for a minimum of control/suppression around the State and possibly eradication depending on the size of the infestation in each specific County. The C list species are out there for Counties and municipalities to address if they choose to. These species are wide spread throughout the State of Colorado.

Around 2012 a Watch List was also created. This list has on it species of concern that are being evaluated. The evaluation includes a literature review, corresponding with other states as to issues they have had with these species as well as looking for and evaluating their existence in Colorado. From this list these species will either fall off the list as not posing a problem or be moved to one of the regulatory lists, most likely the A list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Report a Noxious Weed Sighting

Report An Issue

What can be done with the tall weeds on my neighbor's property?

Most tall weeds on properties are kochia, ragweed, sunflowers, etc. Unfortunately, these plants are not deemed noxious weeds. The County Code only addresses plants that are designated as noxious weeds by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Therefore, the best option for seeking control of tall weeds is to contact the local fire authority and ask them to check into the fire hazard concern. If you would like more information, please call Tina Booton at 970-400-3770.

I am buying a new property. Is there any help available with weeds on it?

Yes help is available. The Weed Division will meet you at the property and discuss the vegetation growing on the land as well as provide information on how to control the plants, or establish grass as needed. Cost-share money is also available for the control of designated noxious weeds. For more information call 970-400-3770.

I can't see traffic at an intersection because of the tall weeds?

Call 970-400-3750 or fill out the online comment form to report a problem intersection. Each intersection will be addressed on an individual basis. You will be contacted with regards to what can be done as well as the timing for work to be conducted.

I can't see to get out of my driveway. What can be done?

It is the landowner’s responsibility to maintain the vegetation along their property for visibility.

The County does mow paved road surfaces within unincorporated Weld County. Two passes are made a year. The timing of mowing along the paved roads is not always perfect with individual needs.