Cave Creek asks residents to stop invasive weed to reduce fire risk
Dec 25, 2019, 4:35 AM | Updated: 3:24 pm
(Town of Cave Creek Photo)
(Town of Cave Creek Photo)
PHOENIX – The town of Cave Creek is urging people to be on the lookout for an invasive weed known as Globe Chamomile.
This small, yellow flower has infested the regional area and has taken over yards, parks, medians and open desert spaces, just to name a few.
These weeds eventually dry out with the warm weather, providing abundant fire fuel.
The town is taking steps to be proactive by applying pre-emergent near town guardrails and medians.
This stops the plant’s seeds from germinating, which prevents blooming and the spread of hundreds of seeds.
The town says it has witnessed success using this plan, as it has become more effective each year it is applied.
Cave Creek is asking residents to do the same thing on their own properties as soon as possible before the weed blooms.
While pre-emergent deals with Globe Chamomile, it does not typically kill established, native plants, but does stop seeds from germinating.
The town advises people to use Simazine or Pendimethalin, as the two are some of the best options for a natural desert landscape.
It’s best to apply pre-emergent 24 hours before at least an inch of rain occurs.
The effectiveness of pre-emergent lasts approximately six months and it should be applied two to three times a year.
People who can’t stop the weed from blooming this spring can also remove it by mowing it down or pulling it.
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