Weed control methods
Invasive weeds in this guide can be controlled with physical and chemical methods. Physically, they can be pulled to remove all or most of the roots, preventing the plant from growing back. Wet soil makes this easier. Even if all the roots don’t come up, the plant is likely to die. Returning to follow up on weed removal gives you a second chance to eradicate weed patches.
Other methods that physically cut or pull weeds can also be effective, including mowing large areas. Girdling large plants by cutting away a strip of bark several inches wide around trunks of trees or woody vines interrupt the flow of nutrients to leaves and active growing points to kill the plant. Use a knife, ax, or saw.
Mulch can smother weeds by preventing sunlight from reaching the ground. It can be organic, such as straw and sawdust, or synthetic, such as plastic.
Soil solarization means covering damp soil with clear or black plastic to trap heat, killing plants and seeds.

Chemical herbicides
Only trained workers with specific directions should apply chemicals. Site conditions, time of year, target species and other considerations all must be weighed against the risk posed by the invasive species. The goal is not only control of the invasive but also re-establishment of native plants.

Weed disposal
Dispose of weeds in green waste wheeled containers. No plastic bags. Mission Country Disposal will empty the bins on regularly scheduled garbage pickup days. They take the weeds to a facility in Santa Maria to be used in making compost. less ↑