Since 2004, the Town of Vail has taken numerous actions towards the elimination and management of noxious weeds on public and private property.
By nature, noxious weeds are highly invasive, spread quickly to adjacent property, drive out native species and can reduce property values, making containment and management of these species critical. This year the town is increasing its efforts to combat invasive species by continuing its valley wide digital tracking and assessment program for each invasive species. This program allows the town and residents to determine zones of impact, identify relative severity of specific species, and subsequently allows the town to prioritize management areas and evaluate abatement efficiencies. In light of this new tracking and management plan the Town of Vail is asking for public support by submitting a Weed Management Form through the Town of Vail noxious weed webpage, if a Weed Ordinance Violation Notice was received. Supplementary noxious weed information is also available here.
If you have received a Weed Ordinance Violation notice select the button below to complete a weed management form online.
If you received an ordinance letter or need to submit a management follow up form please select from the button below.
Select an option below to learn more about the Town of Vail Weed Management Plan and information.
The Town of Vail manages weeds according to the Town of Vail Weed Management Plan and the Noxious Weed Ordinance. Current target areas include 32 miles of residential roadways, 11 miles of frontage road areas, 12 miles of recreation path and over 250 acres of open space and park areas.
A 2007 inventory identified more than 25 species of Noxious Weeds in Vail as listed on the Colorado Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed List. Detailed information about these and other plants on the Colorado Noxious Weed List can be found on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website. Fact Sheets provide plant characteristics, photos and control recommendations.
Vail is dedicated to implementing integrated weed management techniques. This means using four basic methods to control weed populations including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical controls. A description of these methods is available in the Town of Vail Weed Management Plan.
Herbicide applications are targeted to specific plants when they are most vulnerable within their growth cycle. Two primary applications will occur during the growing season, one in late-June, one in mid- August, and a final treatment in September.
Notification signs will be placed at neighborhood entrances at least 24 hours in advance of spraying activities.
In open space and park areas, flags will be placed at the edges of application areas and will remain in place a minimum of 48 hours. While the areas are considered safe to enter once the herbicides dry, it is recommended that dogs and people refrain from using these areas when the flags are in place.
If you wish to be personally notified prior to spraying in your area, call 970-479-2158 or email weeds@vailgov.com with your name, address and phone number to be placed on the notification list. Notification will include one phone call at least one week in advance of spraying operations, and a second phone call at least 48 hours in advance.
Also in 2017 the Town of Vail is partnering with the Forest Service to treat weeds along the Town Boundary on USFS property to battle significant thistle infestations. This work will occur in late-June to mid-July.
The town will be evaluating private property for noxious weed infestation and mailing notifications for violations. If found to be in violation of the ordinance, property owners will be asked to provide a plan of action for management of the plants. Failure to comply with the ordinance may subject property owners to enforcement and/or fines.
In addition to on-site advice, the town offers free Noxious Weeds of Colorado books, Guides to Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden, and Colorado Weed Calendars, as well as other various pamphlets and brochures. Email weeds@vailgov.com for more information.
For more information on Noxious Weeds, why we manage them and their impact on Colorado, please visit the following links:
Weed & Pest Management Gregg Barrie
Use the list below to help identify what weeds you are needing to address on your property. Select the image and or name to view a detailed pdf for that specific species. Here you can review the latest Town of Vail Weed Management Plan.
The list of licensed herbicide applicators is provided by the Town of Vail for educational or informational purposes only. No endorsement is implied, omissions may occur and other information sources should be consulted. Pesticide applicators are licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
If you would like assistance with identifying noxious weeds and management strategies, the Town offers free on-site consultations Monday thru Wednesday between 9 am and 4 pm throughout the summer, beginning in late May.
Use the form below to request a consultation. You may also call 970-479-2158 if you prefer.
Town Staff evaluates all properties within town boundaries and mails violation notices to property owners. If a property is found to be in violation of the ordinance, owners are asked to provide a plan of action for management of the plants. Failure to comply with the ordinance may subject property owners to enforcement and/or fines.
Herbicide applications are targeted to specific plants when they are most vulnerable within their growth cycle. Three primary applications will occur during the growing season, one in late-June, one in mid- August, and a final treatment in September.
Use the images below to better identify weeds in the Vail area. For additional information and weed fact sheets please visit our Management Strategies tab above.