Fortay Land Management controls noxious weeds, mountain pine beetles

The professionals at Fortay Land Management, noxious weed-control experts in northern Colorado since 2008, are ready to help property owners with their weed and/or pine beetle problems. Landowners are required by law to control the spread of a variety of noxious weeds such as thistle and leafy spurge. Fortay has experienced technicians to safely address these and other noxious weeds in pastures and natural areas. In addition, Fortay can protect pine trees from the devastating pine beetle outbreak.

According to Fortay operations manager Trent Hoffman, the unusually warm weather this spring may cause the beetles to fly earlier than normal, and spraying before the mass flight is critical for the protection of valuable trees. There is also an increased fire danger with the warm temperatures. During fire season, a healthy living pine tree can withstand a fast-moving grass fire, while a dead tree becomes additional fuel for a fire.

Spring is also an excellent time to control noxious weeds as they sprout. Trent recommends an integrated program of mowing and herbicide spraying to prevent weeds from becoming established. Landowners with small acreages and livestock—including horses—can benefit from a custom recommendation of a beneficial grazing rotation. As Trent notes, overgrazing is one of the primary causes of noxious weed infestation.

To help landowners comply with state law, Fortay Land Management is available to aid in developing a custom, comprehensive weed-control program. For additional information or a free estimate, call Fortay Land Management at 970-430-9541 or go to www.fortayland.com.