LEAFY SPURGE
CONTROL METHODS

Douglas County Noxious Weed Control provides this information as a courtesy (disclaimer)to those
who are interested in controlling noxious weeds. We recommend a combination of two methods
below (an integrated approach) to effectively control an infestation. If you prefer to have a
Commercial Company take care of your Control needs, you can visit our
Contractor's Page or use any Contractor found in the Yellow Pages.
Equipment may also be available at a local rental store. .

Remember, no matter what method(s) is used, ALL AREAS of the property must be maintained.
These areas include around fences, poles, mounds, holes, hillsides (no matter how steep),
and any other that may require specialized control.

CHEMICAL APPLICATION

Note: The below information is derived from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension EC 06-130-D
(HERBICIDE USE IN NEBRASKA). Please consult the individual pesticide label for proper application rates.
Always read and follow label directions and wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment

HERBICIDE*	APPLICATION TIMING	REMARKS
2,4-D LV Ester (4L) or 2,4-D LV Ester (4L) + Tordon 22K	Bud Stage in Spring	Retreatment necessary. Annual applications gradually reduce infestations.
Plateau	Fall - 2 weeks before first killing frost	8 oz/acre to Control well-established stands of Leafy Spurge. Use with Surfactant For best use of Plateau on Leafy Spurge, contact the Weed Control.
Tordon 22K or Roundup Ultra (or Pro) + 2,4-D Amine (4L)	Fall (September to early October) or Spring	Tordon for non-crop areas and spot treatment in pasture and range. Roundup for use in trees or areas where grass stand is not a factor

* A property owner is not limited to these Herbicides only. Other Herbicides may be available, please
consult the individual herbicide label for proper application directions. Herbicides can be found at
area nurseries, retail stores, farm stores, and other landscape centers. For more information on
Herbicides and their uses please check with the Douglas County Extension Service.


MECHANICAL CONTROL

METHOD	TIMING	REMARKS
Mowing (short term method to prevent seed spread)	Bloom Stage with Seed Pods only	Because of Leafy Spurge's ability to regenerate by small buds on the root system Mowing should not be relied on as a control method. Tillage should not be an option.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS

The use of Biocontrol agents (natural enemies) for the control of Leafy Spurge have been
used in Nebraska since 1988. These agents, insects, work slowly and results may not be
seen for several years. Douglas County Weed Control utilizes two types of Insects on
3 locations in Douglas County, one was place in 1995 and the other (2) in 1997.
The Insects were provided by a joint effort of the Nebraska Weed Control Association and
the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at no cost to Douglas County. Goats and Sheep
have shown to be another type of biocontrol agents and have been utilized in other
areas of Nebraska and other States. For more information on Biological Control
of Leafy Spurge, please contact the Weed Control.


CONTROL METHOD RECOMMENDATION

Note: Improving the conditions and competition of desirable grasses and vegetation
is the best defense against noxious weeds. Avoiding waste areas, overgrazing, disturbed
ground and proper care of existing vegetation, will aid in keeping noxious weeds away.
KEY: Be PERSISTANT! A Perennial requires multiple years of control.

SMALL INFESTATIONS
(less than 1 Acre)

SPRING	SUMMER	FALL
Chemical actively growing	Mowing Flower Stage	Chemical when actively growing Sept - Oct

LARGE INFESTATIONS
(greater than 1 Acre)

PLEASE CONTACT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY WEED
CONTROL FOR RECOMMENDATION.