A spot-spray in May keeps the thistles at bay

Integrated roadside vegetation management (IRVM) provides the most systematic program for control of noxious weeds.  Per Section 314.22 of the Iowa Code, IRVM employs several weed control measures in addition to herbicides.  These include prescribed burning, spot-mowing, disturbance prevention and species competition through establishment of deep-rooted native plants.

When an area requires treatment with chemical herbicides, IRVM roadside managers choose spot-spraying as the most judicious means of herbicide application.  To further reduce the amount of chemical finding its way into groundwater supplies, IRVM roadside managers use the best herbicide products, the latest spray technology and properly timed applications.