Hello and thanks for reaching out through Extension Ask. Please see below information to help answer your questions regarding weed management at your Shadow Mountain Lake residence.

1) Liquid Herbicide Solutions:
To avoid harming native plants while targeting these weeds, spot spraying is key. For Leafy spurge, effective options are 2,4-D Amine in early spring or Imazapic (Plateau) in fall. For Bull thistle, apply Curtail (clopyralid + 2,4-D) or a 2,4-D + dicamba mix on early rosettes. Mayweed chamomile responds well to Milestone or Escort XP with surfactant in spring to early summer. Oxeye daisies can be treated with Escort XP or Telar during flowering. Always use a fine cone nozzle and spot spray carefully to protect natives. Unfortunately, the local extension office doesn’t supply herbicides or mixing services. However, you can find a lot of these products or their equivalents at stores like Northwest Ranch Supply (Kremmling), Ace Hardware (Granby or Fraser), or potentially Murdoch’s in Fraser.

2) Sprayers:
For large, precise applications, I recommend a Chapin 2-Gallon ProSeries Sprayer or a Solo 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer. These are durable, have adjustable nozzles for spot treatment, and handle herbicides better than cheap plastic bottles. You can find these at the same local stores mentioned above or can order online through Amazon, Home Depot, etc.

3) Native Seeds and Plants:
Once you control the weeds, reseeding is critical. Native grasses like Idaho Fescue, Blue Grama, and Bluebunch Wheatgrass work well. You can also check with Cold Springs Garden Nursey in Granby to see if they have any recommendations for native plants.

5) Tiller Rental:
Again, the local Extension Office does not provide any equipment, but you can look at renting tillers from local garden centers or equipment rental businesses. Check with Cold Springs Garden Nursery in Granby, or even Ace Hardware in Granby or Fraser for availability and recommendations on places you can find equipment.

6) Mulch Recommendations:
Mulch isn’t strictly necessary but can help protect new seedlings. Use a light cover of weed-free straw or shredded native mulch to retain moisture and reduce erosion. Avoid heavy mulch layers that may smother young grass.

7) Additional Advice:

- Rotate your herbicide treatment zones to prevent over-application and protect natives.

- Combine herbicide treatments with mowing or grazing where possible to reduce seed production, especially for spurge and thistle.

- The Grand County Natural Resources Foreman, Amy Sidener, is a valuable contact for local weed management assistance.

- Lastly, regular monitoring and a multi-year plan are necessary because many of these weeds have long-lived seeds. Even after initial treatments, you’ll need to continue yearly monitoring and control, using herbicides, mechanical methods, and reseeding, to keep weeds from resurging

For more detailed info and local resources, check out these websites:

- Routt County Weed Program: https://www.co.routt.co.us/216/Weed-Program

- Grand County Noxious Weeds: https://www.co.grand.co.us/140/Noxious-Weeds

You’re on the right track by hand-pulling and researching your options. Just know weed control is a marathon, not a sprint!