The Alberta Weed Control Act directs that all landowners are responsible for keeping weeds under control. This also includes the County. The County is responsible for controlling weeds on properties under County control, and directing private landowners/tenants to do so on their properties as well.
Problem Weeds
Weeds are categorized as "noxious" and "prohibited noxious" when they are aggressive, difficult to manage and invasive in nature. These weeds:
- infest pastures and crops
- alter natural habitats
- detrimental to livestock health
- compete with our native plants
- affect animal, insect and bird species
- are costly to control
A full list of weeds regulated by the Weed Control Act can be found here. Species fact sheets with information of identification and control methods can be found here.
The weeds designated as noxious and prohibited noxious under the Alberta Weed Control Act spread rapidly and can outgrow native species resulting in an impact on natural environments. When controlling weeds using a mechanical means, disposal must be conducted in a manner that will prevent the spread of the weed seeds (bagging and thrown in the trash or burnt).
Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds must be controlled to prevent the spread of seeds and prevent the plants from being established. They can be controlled by hand-pulling, mowing, cultivating or spraying them with an appropriate herbicide. When using a mechanical means of removal, monitoring regrowth will be necessary as season long maintenance will be required to control weed species. Mowing will need to be conducted continuously throughout a growing season.
Prohibited Noxious Weeds
Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed by eradicating all growing parts of the plant or to render the reproductive mechanisms unviable. The easiest way to eradicate prohibited noxious weeds is with herbicide but an integrated method can be used by incorporating herbicide, mechanical removal (hand-pulling) and mowing.
Tip: Avoid Wildflower Mixes
- Wildflower mixes often contain invasive plant species that spread rapidly and are not from the local area.
- Make sure to check the label for the Latin names to know exactly what you are planting in your garden and flower beds.
- Avoid purchasing seed mixes that do not include Latin names on the label.
- If you would like to plant wildflowers, it is best to research native wildflower species, common to your area, and plant individual flowers or purchase seed mixes from local reputable growers.
Weed Control Program
The employment of several seasonal employees (herbicide applicators, roadside mowers and weed inspectors) assist Agricultural Services in maintaining an effective, long term weed control program.
The County conducts roadside weed control on a tri-annual basis (three-year rotation). The use of herbicides is the most cost-effective means to do this. All herbicide applications are made by certified applicators, and follow the best practices, handling, safety and standards as set out by Alberta Environment and the Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta.
Residents who do not want roadsides along their property treated with herbicides may enter into an opt-out agreement with the County. This agreement places all responsibility for weed control in the ditches onto the landowner. For further details, contact Agricultural Services at 403-230-1401.
Weed Inspections
Agricultural Services believes that early detection and rapid response is the most effective method of managing invasive plants.
Weed inspector are municipally appointed and have jurisdiction through the Alberta Weed Control Act to access all municipal, private and public lands to inspect for noxious and prohibited noxious weed species. Inspectors will be out during growing season yearly and if regulated weeds are found upon inspection a letter and report are mailed to the landowner with more information on the species, map of its whereabouts and a date the inspector will be out to re-inspect. In circumstances where an infestation is severe inspectors may issue a weed control notice which can be enforced if not complied to by the re-inspection date. Inspectors will try to contact landowners via phone, email and mail to educate residents and to work with them to create a long-term control plan for their property.
Computer software allows the mapping and tracking of infestations from year to year, provides a snapshot of affected areas within the county, and calculates increases and decreases in infestations. Implementation and use of this technology assists Agricultural Services in developing an effective, long term weed control program.
Pasture Sprayer Rental
The County has a pasture sprayer available for rent to agricultural producers who are experiencing problems with noxious or prohibited noxious weeds. This sprayer has the capability to spray a 50 foot width with two boomless nozzles and is designed for use in pastures where traditional sprayers can’t access.
For more information about the pasture sprayer or to book it please contact agricultural services at 403-230-1401.
How We Can Help
Agricultural Services is available to work with residents to prevent, and resolve weed control issues. We can assist by identifying plant species and presenting solutions based on resident and County experience, along with research results using various weed control methods.
Call or email Agricultural Services if:
- You have concerns about weeds on a property.
- You would like a consultation on weeds on your property.
- You want to drop off a weed sample for identification. (Please call prior to coming in, if you require immediate identification.)
- You want a list of local herbicide or pest control applicators in your area.