Noxious weeds are a nationwide problem, and several states are currently grappling with the complications of controlling them. Noxious weeds are considered to be those that pose significant harm to the environment, to animals or to humans. In Utah, the problem with noxious weeds is growing and currently ranges from biological destruction to severe economic implications. Understanding how to control these dangerous weeds is also of great importance. Threats are broken down into three distinct classes, for organizational and counter-measure purposes. Read on to learn more about what you can do.
The Biological Dangers
While weeds are naturally occurring, they can have devastating effects on surrounding biological species. In Utah, noxious weeds can cause a diversity reduction of other plants, change soil composition, increase the danger from fires, draw pollinating organisms away from beneficial plants and house elements that are toxic to surrounding plants. Perhaps most troubling, they spread quickly and are difficult to contain. Due to their rapid spread, the impact is not only biological, but also economical.
The Economic Implications
The economic costs are significant. In addition to the cost of controlling noxious weeds, significant financial losses result from the destruction and damage the weeds cause. Millions of dollars are lost every year in destroyed crops, building damage, poor soil development and even a reduction in recreational activity that contributes funding to the state of Utah. Ultimately, it is easier to remove the economic and biological problem by engaging in preventive measures. One of the best ways to do this is through classification.
Classifications and Meaning
The Utah Noxious Weed Act of 2008 provided a list of weeds for categorical purposes. Class A, Class B and Class C noxious weeds each have a different set of characteristics as well as urgency level for containment. Class A are the most severe and dangerous, since they have been determined to be non-native and therefore a larger threat to the existing biological environment. Class B are weeds deemed controllable non-native weeds thought to be slightly less damaging than their Class A counterparts. Finally, Class C weeds are the least urgent and are labeled for containment rather than eradication. These native weeds primarily threaten agriculture and are kept away from crops to prevent economic loss. Due to the implications of insufficient eradication and containment, Utah is constantly updating laws surrounding the 2008 act.
The battle for noxious weed control is ongoing and a struggle on multiple fronts. Utah residents are asked to do their part by controlling weeds on their own property. If you live in the Provo area, contact the experts at All Green Pest Control & Lawn Care. They provide insect and weed control services throughout northern Utah. Call All Green today to schedule a service call, and be sure to ask the technician to evaluate your property for the presence of noxious weeds.