The Basics of Bareground Management
The average person might not think about them much — utility sites like power plants, mills, water tanks, electric utility substations, railroads, oil and gas production sites, and many western roadsides. They often operate independently in more remote areas, tucked out of the way. While these industrial sites might be out of sight, they are certainly not out of mind at Envu.
It’s critical that these industrial bareground sites are open, vegetation-free spaces to provide clear lines of sight for safe operations, visibility and reducing fire hazards. If not properly managed, weeds can emerge from cracks in concrete and gravel and can pose risks to the structures and adjacent property. Integrated vegetation management with herbicide solutions is essential for bareground sites to stay safe and run efficiently.
So, where to start? Below, we’ve addressed some common questions people may have when first getting into bareground site vegetation management.
Why exactly is bareground necessary for these industrial sites?
As previously mentioned, bareground is ideal for utility sites to minimize hazards while helping ensure equipment and workers can operate safely. Usually, the land on bareground sites utilizes gravel to help discourage vegetation growth, but sometimes weeds and other plants sprout up. Trees can fall during storms, causing damage to equipment. Weeds and vines like Russian thistle, cheatgrass, bindweed, marestail and Italian ryegrass can grow around and damage equipment or they can obscure and hide dangerous situations that could put workers at risk.
Specifically, Kochia scoparia is an especially difficult-to-control weed in the West with deep root systems, prolific seed production, and rapid development that can quickly overtake rights-of-way and grow 3-5 feet tall to block sightlines and negatively impact access.
To be good stewards to our lands, it’s important to proactively try to reduce risk where we can, which means adding chemical solutions in integrated vegetation management plans.
How can I get rid of unwanted vegetation on my bareground sites?
The first step is to talk to a Envu representative to help you craft your integrated vegetation management plan. Besides using mechanical means, which can only address current problem growth, they’ll recommend herbicides that can help kill and break the germination cycle of plants, preventing them from populating in force in the coming seasons. That way, you have long-term protection and require fewer visits to these sites for maintenance, saving time and money.
When should I apply herbicide solutions to my bareground sites?
Example of preemergent and postemergent solutions: Controlling Kochia in Industrial Sites
Depending on your region and the problem vegetation, you may be able to apply herbicides in spring and/or fall. For example, we recommend preemergent and postemergent control of kochia with Envu products. Be sure to only use herbicides specifically labeled for these sites and talk to your Envu representative about questions you may have or for recommendations.
How do I apply herbicide solutions to my bareground sites?
This depends on the herbicides you use. Some come in dry formulations and others in liquid formulations for easy spraying. Some can be used in tank mixes to bridge control for unpredictable conditions and difficult environments. Always follow labeled use instructions.
Our science-based solutions at Envu were designed specifically to keep bareground sites free from weeds. Protecting industrial sites from invasive or exotic plants prevents their establishment, proliferation and spread, assuring these species will not move to adjacent farms, forests and natural areas. Ultimately, it is up to us to maintain bareground sites to be good stewards of our land and protect the equipment, people and environment in our care.
Contact your Envu rep and learn more about integrated vegetation management and bareground solutions.
Tank mixtures: The applicable labeling for each product must be in the possession of the user at the time of application. Follow applicable use instructions, including application rates, precautions and restrictions of each product used in the tank mixture. Not all tank mix product formulations have been tested for compatibility or performance other than specifically listed by brand name. Always predetermine the compatibility of tank mixtures by mixing small proportional quantities in advance.
