One of the many benefits of living in Highlands Ranch is the ability to enjoy the more than 2,644 acres of natural open space and more than 70 miles of trails that traverse through our community. When aggressive, non-native plants threaten our open space, the Metro District responds to ensure the invasive weeds don’t interfere with the native vegetation and wildlife that exists today.

The Metro District complies with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (3.5-5.5-101-119 C.R.S.) which enables County and City governments to implement management programs aimed at combating invasive weeds from taking over.

Which weed species are invasive?

For a complete list of species on the Noxious Weed List, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website.

What we're doing

The Metro District has a comprehensive program to combat persistent weeds that involves mechanical, biological and chemical management practices.

Mechanical

Metro District open space staff selectively remove communities of invasive weed species through weed whipping and spot mowing. These techniques remove the seed head to limit seed dispersal.

Biological

Metro District open space staff disperse various insects supplied by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The insects put stress on the invasive weeds, causing them to die back allowing the Metro District staff to gain control of the impacted area. 

Chemical

Metro District open space staff spray invasive weeds in the spring and fall with non-restrictive herbicides to help gain control of those communities.

FAQs

Q. Why is it necessary to mow invasive weeds?
A. Selective annual mowing of invasive weeds in natural areas is necessary to minimize mature seed development and dispersal and invasive weed plant establishment. By selective mowing, we cut only invasive weeds and leave strands of native grass that are doing well, therefore it gives the appearance of patch work mowing.

Q. How do you mow invasive weeds?
A. We mow invasive weeds at a height that is above the living portion of native grasses. This will in the long-term give the advantage to native grasses as they are not damaged.

Q. How prevalent are invasive weeds?
A. Invasive weeds are capable of producing millions of seeds that have the propensity to lay dormant in the soil for up to ten years. During drought years these seeds will germinate and the plants will out-compete native grasses. These plants are very difficult if not impossible to eradicate once established

Q. What is the vegetation like in our native areas?
A. Our native areas contain both cool and warm season grasses.

Q. What is the growth pattern of cool season grasses?
A. Cool season grasses start their growth early in the spring and continue growth for as long as rains and cool temperatures prevail. They will go dormant during the hot, dry months of summer and start growth again in the cool months of fall if moisture is adequately filling some of the areas that were selectively mowed.

Q. What is the growth pattern of warm season grasses?
A. Warm season grasses will come out of dormancy in mid-spring and grow during the hot summer months. Because of their extensive root system, these plants are very drought tolerant, they will stay green during dry conditions and will go dormant in the fall after a freeze and will provide a display of fall colors.

If you are a homeowner who backs to open space and you think invasive weeds are growing behind your property, contact Scott Nelson, the Metro District’s open space supervisor, at 720-240-5924 or snelson@highlandsranch.org.