Pest/Weed Management

Truman State University: Physical Plant Department

Integrated Pest/Weed Management Policy

 Herbicides (for weeds in turf areas and planting beds):

• Action threshold:
  No action unless weed infestations are over 5% of turf area or planting bed area, only in the highest visibility locations.
• Monitor and identify:
  It is the Grounds Manager’s responsibility to monitor turf areas and planting beds monthly throughout the growing season and evaluate any indications of potential weed problems.
• Prevention:
  Healthy turf management practices are always followed, including aerification, overseeding and appropriate fertilization, including pre-emergent products.  In planting beds, weed barriers are installed for new beds and mulch is used in all beds.
• Control:
  For turf: weed treatment (herbicide application) is limited to affected areas and is done in accordance with herbicide manufacturer instructions.
• In planting beds: Mechanical weeding is done for minor or moderate infestations.  Herbicide is only used for major infestations in high visibility locations.

Pesticides (rarely used for grubs and moles):

• Action Threshold:
  No action unless there is a significant presence on athletic fields, only.
• Monitor and Identify:
  It is the Grounds Manager’s responsibility to monitor fields monthly throughout the growing season and evaluate any indications potential pest problems.
• Prevention:
  NA
• Control:
  If necessary, pesticide will be applied to affected areas only, in accordance with pesticide manufacturer instructions.