Russian Knapweed

Who would want to kill a 75-year old plant? If the plant is Russian knapweed and it’s on your property, you want to kill it, and fast. The noxious weed’s longevity may be admirable, but any plant that makes it to the age of 75 has most likely crowded out and maybe even poisoned thousands of native plants that are far more beneficial than any weed ever could be. Not every Russian knapweed seed grows into a 75-year old plant, but even if each plant only lived a small fraction of that time, they can take over plenty of land.

According to the Colorado State University Extension, “…the key to Russian knapweed control is to stress the weed and cause it to expend nutrient stores in its root system.” Stressing a weed is similar to stressing just about any other living thing: launch a physical assault that continually disturbs it.

Russian Knapweed Treatment Options

One of the Russian knapweed treatment options is mowing or digging. Weeds have survived centuries of physical disturbances, so mowing or digging probably won’t completely eradicate them, but it does require their systems to use more energy and that requires more nutrients. Be sure to time mowing or digging before flowers bloom to avoid distributing seeds.

Another way of Russian knapweed treatment is to stress a weed through application of herbicides. Multiple applications of multiple chemicals are usually required to eliminate Russian knapweed. Be sure to plan this attack very carefully. Specific chemicals are developed to work during specific growth cycles. Applying them any other time is a waste of resources.

Sooner is always better than later with eradication efforts. Root systems are less extensive with young plants and therefore more vulnerable.

If you need help with Russian knapweed treatment, contact SprayTech, Colorado weed and tree spraying specialists at 720-248-0000.