(Cass County, ND) -- Cass County Weed Control will begin spraying for noxious weeds in the state, county, and township road rights-of-way.
Spraying for Leafy spurge, Canada thistle, Absinth wormwood and other noxious weeds will continue throughout the summer and into the fall. Some of the herbicides used have a residual effect and will stay active for several months. It is recommended not to use the sprayed foliage or manure from animals fed sprayed ditch hay in compost or fertilizer for gardens and sensitive field crops. The herbicide does not break down either in the animal or in the compost operation and will impact sensitive plants when used as fertilizer. Producers should also consider the soil residual impacts when cleaning out the ditch bottoms and returning the soil onto croplands.
The public is advised to be watchful of equipment working on the road shoulders and road ditches. Landowners wishing to mow their adjoining road ditches are asked to wait several days after the spray crews have sprayed in their area. This will allow the herbicide to affect the weeds. If spray crews encounter a recently mown road ditch, that area will not be sprayed, but will be targeted for a later application.
Landowners are welcome to call the Weed Control Office at (701) 298-2388 to determine if spray activities have been completed in their area or to report weed infestations sites.