The Mission of the Yellowstone County Weed Department is to assist the public, private, and other government agencies to manage and control existing noxious weed infestations as well as to prevent new invasive species from infesting Yellowstone County.
The practice of not allowing noxious weeds to become established. Prevention is the most effective, economical and desired weed control practice. Practices include the use of certified seed, the of weed seed free hay, the use of clean gravel, soil and fill dirt, maintaining fence rows, irrigation ditches and all non-crop areas weed free. Always reseed areas that have been disturbed.
Using methods to physically remove target weeds. Cultivation, hoeing, hand pulling, and mowing are commonly used. The use of cultivation is usually limited to farm/crop land and must be persistently cultivated to control perennial weed species.
Involves the introduction and establishment of selected natural enemies of a particular weed species. This may include insects, fungi, and diseases that attack the target weed while not affecting desirable species. Effective biocontrol depends on the use of several insects that attack different plant parts. Effective biocontrol should increase as insects become more available.
The use of herbicides to control noxious weeds. Chemical control is the most commonly used method of weed control. If used properly and according to label directions, herbicides are a very effective means of control. Although chemicals can be expensive, they are still one of the most economic methods of control once weeds become established.