Weeds & Invasive Plants

All Weeds & Invasive Plants Content

Field bindweed spreading in a patchof bare soil.

Field Bindweed Control in Yards and Gardens

Field bindweed is one of the most-serious weed problems in South Dakota. Learn some tips for identifying, managing and controlling this invasive weed in your yard and garden before it becomes an issue.

Large patch of grab grass growing on lawn.

Is Crabgrass Taking Over Your Lawn?

Each year homeowners and businesses typically find crabgrass invading their lawns. If you desire a nice lawn, you may not be happy about this. Crabgrass can be a bit tricky to control—especially after it has established itself for the season.

Tall, slender kochia weed growing in a test plot.

The Fall Advantage of Kochia Control

Kochia is a problem in north central South Dakota row crops. New post-emergent options in corn and soybean have helped alleviate kochia competition from many fields, but these herbicide options shouldn’t be completely relied upon for a long-term control plan.

Marestail growing abundantly in a soybean field.

Marestail Fall Control

Marestail (also known as horseweed) is considered either a winter annual or biennial species that is often difficult to identify at the rosette stage. In the Dakota’s, marestail will germinate in the fall and bolt in the spring.

Small cluster of dandelions among fallen leaves on a lawn.

Fall Weed Control in Lawns

In lawns, fall is the best time to chemically control broadleaf perennial weeds. Examples of these weeds could include dandelions, Canada thistle, creeping bellflower, field bindweed and ground ivy.

A herd of sheep foraging on leafy spurge in a grassland.

Multi-Species Grazing as an Alternative to Pasture Spraying

Broadacre spraying of pastures is intended to reduce undesirable plants and increase grasses for livestock. This practice often results in unintended consequences, including damage and reduction of native forbs and reduced profitability. One approach to managing perceived “weedy” plants is incorporating different species of livestock into a grazing operation.