Washington Co. Weed Control Board

Washington Co. Weed Control Board Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Washington Co. Weed Control Board, Public & Government Service, 806 Martinsburg Road , Ste 104, Salem, IN.

05/26/2026

Do You Have Johnson Grass ??

With the recent rain and warm temperatures, Johnson grass is growing quickly across fields, fence rows, and roadsides. Now is the time to scout and control it before it spreads further.

✔️ Mow before seed heads form
✔️ Spot spray actively growing patches
✔️ Clean equipment to prevent spread

Not sure if what you’re seeing is Johnson grass? We’re happy to help with identification—contact the W**d Control Board for assistance.

Early detection and control now will help prevent bigger problems later this season.

⚠️ Poison Hemlock Alert ⚠️With the recent warm temperatures and heavy rainfall, poison hemlock has grown rapidly across ...
05/19/2026

⚠️ Poison Hemlock Alert ⚠️

With the recent warm temperatures and heavy rainfall, poison hemlock has grown rapidly across many areas of the county — and unfortunately, much of it is already beginning to go to seed.

At this stage, extra caution is needed when controlling these plants. Once seed heads are present, mowing can actually spread seeds and create a bigger problem next year. If possible:

*Avoid mowing mature plants with seed heads
*Spot spray areas that have not yet fully seeded
*Remove isolated plants carefully by hand while wearing gloves & protective clothing
* Bag and dispose of plants when practical — do not burn poison hemlock
*Clean equipment after working in infested areas to avoid spreading seed

Remember: Poison hemlock is highly toxic to both humans and livestock. Avoid direct skin contact and keep children and animals away from infested areas.

Taking action now can help reduce future infestations and protect our roadsides, pastures, and properties.

05/07/2026

SPRAY WEEDS THE RIGHT WAY

✅ Spray early (w**ds under 4”)
✅ Watch the weather (low wind)
✅ Read the label
✅ Get good coverage
✅ Don’t skip edges & ditches

⚠️ Bonus: Protect gardens, waterways & neighbors
👉 Small w**ds now = fewer problems later

🤔Need help identifying a w**d? Contact your local Purdue Extension office or W**d Control Board.

Common Noxious W**d Mistakes (and how to avoid them!) We’re hitting a critical time for w**d control here in southern In...
05/01/2026

Common Noxious W**d Mistakes (and how to avoid them!)

We’re hitting a critical time for w**d control here in southern Indiana—and a few simple missteps can turn into BIG problems later this summer.

Here are the most common mistakes we’re seeing right now:

❌ Waiting too long
By June, many w**ds are already flowering or setting seed. May is your window—don’t miss it!

❌ Spraying w**ds that are too big
Large, mature w**ds are much harder (and more expensive) to control. Smaller plants = better results.

❌ Ignoring field edges, fence rows, and ditches
These areas are often the biggest source of spread—even into your fields and your neighbors’.

❌ Relying on mowing alone
Mowing can help, but most problem w**ds will regrow—and still produce seed if not timed right.

❌ Overlooking toxic plants like poison hemlock
This one isn’t just a w**d—it’s a safety concern for people AND livestock.

A little attention now can save a lot of headaches (and costs) later. Need help identifying a w**d or figuring out control options? Reach out to your local Purdue Extension office or W**d Control Board—we’re here to help!

Johnsongrass is a perennial grass that spreads by both seeds and underground rhizomes. Originally introduced as a forage...
04/28/2026

Johnsongrass is a perennial grass that spreads by both seeds and underground rhizomes. Originally introduced as a forage crop, it has since become one of the most troublesome w**ds in agricultural fields and pastures.
This plant can grow 3–7 feet tall and produces large, open seed heads. Its aggressive underground rhizomes allow it to spread quickly and form dense patches that are difficult to eliminate.
In addition to competing with crops, Johnsongrass can pose a risk to livestock. Under certain stress conditions such as drought or frost, the plant can produce compounds that may lead to poisoning if consumed.
Management Tips:
• Prevent plants from producing seed.
• Repeated mowing or cultivation can help reduce rhizome spread.
• Herbicide treatments are often needed for long-term control.
Managing Johnsongrass early helps prevent the establishment of large, persistent infestations.

🌾 Don’t Let W**ds Go to Seed 🌾One of the most important steps in managing noxious w**ds is simple:👉 Don’t let them go to...
04/22/2026

🌾 Don’t Let W**ds Go to Seed 🌾

One of the most important steps in managing noxious w**ds is simple:
👉 Don’t let them go to seed.

Many invasive w**ds can produce thousands of seeds per plant, allowing them to spread rapidly across fields, roadsides, and properties.

Stopping seed production:
✔ Reduces future infestations
✔ Saves time and money
✔ Protects neighboring properties

Keep an eye on your property this spring and take action early to prevent w**ds from spreading.

Small problems now can become big problems later if left unchecked.

🌱 Now is the Time for Spring W**d Control 🌱As temperatures warm up, w**ds are starting to actively grow—and early contro...
04/18/2026

🌱 Now is the Time for Spring W**d Control 🌱

As temperatures warm up, w**ds are starting to actively grow—and early control is key.

Treating w**ds now, while they are small, is:

✔ More effective
✔ Less expensive
✔ Easier to manage

Waiting too long allows w**ds to mature, spread, and produce seed—making control much more difficult later in the season.

Take a few minutes to walk your property, fields, or pastures and identify any problem areas early.

A little effort now can save a lot of time and cost later!

🌿 Before You Mow… Take a Look Around 🌿Spring mowing season is here, but before you start, take a moment to check for nox...
04/15/2026

🌿 Before You Mow… Take a Look Around 🌿
Spring mowing season is here, but before you start, take a moment to check for noxious w**ds.
Mowing at the wrong time can:
⚠️ Spread seeds to new areas
⚠️ Make infestations worse
⚠️ Reduce effectiveness of future control efforts
Some w**ds—like thistles and poison hemlock—can spread quickly if not managed properly.
If you spot something unfamiliar, it’s best to identify it first and make a plan before mowing.
When in doubt, reach out for help—we’re here to assist!

⚠️ Before You Spray… Read the Label! ⚠️Spring is here, and many people are starting w**d control around their homes, far...
04/08/2026

⚠️ Before You Spray… Read the Label! ⚠️

Spring is here, and many people are starting w**d control around their homes, farms, and properties. Before using any herbicide, take a few minutes to read the label first.

Why it matters:
✔ Ensures you use the correct rate
✔ Tells you what protective gear to wear
✔ Helps prevent damage to nearby plants
✔ Protects water sources, wildlife, and pollinators

Remember: The label isn’t just advice — it’s the law.

A quick read now can prevent costly mistakes later.

Canada thistle is a perennial noxious w**d that can quickly take over pastures, crop fields, and roadsides. Unlike many ...
03/26/2026

Canada thistle is a perennial noxious w**d that can quickly take over pastures, crop fields, and roadsides. Unlike many thistles, it spreads not only by seed but also through an extensive underground root system that allows it to form dense colonies.

This plant typically grows 2–5 feet tall and produces clusters of small purple flowers in early summer. Its leaves are spiny and deeply lobed, making it difficult for livestock to graze in infested areas.

Canada thistle competes aggressively with crops and pasture plants for sunlight, nutrients, and moisture. Because of its creeping roots, small infestations can spread rapidly if not controlled early.

Management Tips:

Repeated mowing can weaken the plant but usually will not eliminate it.

Herbicide applications are often most effective when applied during the rosette stage or in the fall when nutrients move to the roots.

Long-term control requires persistence due to the extensive root system.

Early detection and consistent control are key to preventing large infestations.

03/20/2026

What Are Noxious W**ds and Why Should I Care?

A noxious w**d is a plant identified by state or federal agencies as harmful to agriculture, natural habitats, livestock, or human health. Because of the damage they cause, many are required by law to be controlled.

Why it matters:
• They spread quickly and can take over fields, pastures, and roadsides
• Some are toxic to livestock and humans
• They compete with crops and native plants
• Large infestations become costly to manage

Controlling noxious w**ds early helps protect our farms, land, and animals. Stay tuned as we highlight some common w**ds you may see in our area and how to manage them.

Address

806 Martinsburg Road , Ste 104
Salem, IN
47167

Telephone

+18128834601

Website

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