Knapweed disposal - Ask Extension
Good afternoon. Several weeks ago we had a few days of very high winds, which left large piles of tumbleweeds along the west side fences of our subdi...
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Knapweed disposal #922604
Asked December 02, 2025, 3:26 PM EST
Good afternoon. Several weeks ago we had a few days of very high winds, which left large piles of tumbleweeds along the west side fences of our subdivision. Clean up is still underway, but there seems to questions on how to dispose of the tumbleweeds. Some have gathered them up and put in the trash, some have burned, some composted, while others have simply mowed the piles down using lawn tractors or bush hogs. Although this latter method is most expeditious, the concern is that the accumulated seeds will germinate this coming spring necessitating spraying. What’s recommended for disposal?
Thanks,
Rich meyer
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Rich,
Thanks for reaching out.
An effective way to clean up tumbleweeds can be to use tarps to help catch/collect the seeds while breaking them down either to compost or put into the trash. Note: That while tumbleweeds may be composted, but it's important that the compost becomes hot enough, otherwise the compost use in the spring will inadvertantly spread the seeds.
After removal of the tumbleweeds, the next thing to consider is prevention of the germination of the seeds in the late winter/early spring which can be acheived through mechanical, cultural, or chemical means. Having plants to outcompete the seeds, mulching 3-4" deep, and depleting the seed bank in the future by mowing these before Kochia has a chance to go to seed can all help.
The Pueblo County extension has a nice resource here for reference. Please feel free to reach out if additional info is needed.
https://pueblo.extension.colostate.edu/tumbleweed-management/
Thanks,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Thanks for reaching out.
An effective way to clean up tumbleweeds can be to use tarps to help catch/collect the seeds while breaking them down either to compost or put into the trash. Note: That while tumbleweeds may be composted, but it's important that the compost becomes hot enough, otherwise the compost use in the spring will inadvertantly spread the seeds.
After removal of the tumbleweeds, the next thing to consider is prevention of the germination of the seeds in the late winter/early spring which can be acheived through mechanical, cultural, or chemical means. Having plants to outcompete the seeds, mulching 3-4" deep, and depleting the seed bank in the future by mowing these before Kochia has a chance to go to seed can all help.
The Pueblo County extension has a nice resource here for reference. Please feel free to reach out if additional info is needed.
https://pueblo.extension.colostate.edu/tumbleweed-management/
Thanks,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
