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Weed Control

In Leduc County, we work in cooperation with residents to manage weeds on private and public lands. Weeds represent a significant threat to agriculture and the environment because of their ability to take over seeded crops and native vegetation.

The Alberta Government Weed Control Act and Regulations is the guiding legislation for weed control in Alberta. Under these regulations, weeds declared as noxious or prohibited noxious must be controlled or eradicated.

Our approach

We employ a proactive approach to weed and vegetation growth management. By using multiple control methods, including mowing, herbicide spraying and weed inspections, we can limit the spread of weeds in an efficient and responsible way.

Noxious and prohibited noxious weeds

Prohibited noxious weeds pose a serious threat as they spread rapidly, are highly competitive and can cause severe crop losses. Under the Weed Control Act, prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed. Depending on the weed, this could be done by pulling, cultivating or spraying with a registered herbicide. Residents are responsible for controlling the spread of both noxious and prohibited noxious weeds by mowing, cutting frequently or spraying.

If you're looking for more information on invasive plants in Alberta, visit the Alberta Invasive Species Council's website. 

  • Baby’s-Breath, common
  • Bellflower, creeping
  • Bindweed, field
  • Blueweed
  • Brome, downy
  • Brome, japanese
  • Burdock, great
  • Burdock, lesser
  • Burdock, woolly
  • Buttercup, tall
  • Chamomile, scentless
  • Clematis, yellow
  • Cockle, white
  • Daisy, oxeye
  • Dame’s rocket
  • Henbane, black.
  • Hoary cress, globe-podded
  • Hoary cress, heart-podded
  • Hoary cress, lens-podded
  • Hound’s-tongue
  • Mullein, common
  • Pepper-grass, broad-leaved
  • Scabious, field
  • Sow Thistle, perennial
  • Spurge, Leafy
  • Tansy, common
  • Thistle, Canada
  • Toadflax, dalmatian
  • Toadflax, yellow

Prohibited noxious weeds pose a serious threat as they spread rapidly and are highly competitive. Under the Weed Control Act, prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed by either pulling them, cultivating or spraying with a selective herbicide. 

  • Autumn Olive
  • Balsam, Himalayan
  • Barberry, Common
  • Bartsia, Red
  • Buckthorn, Common.
  • Cinquefoil, Sulphur
  • Crupina, Common
  • Dyer’s Woad
  • Eurasian Water Milfoil
  • Flowering Rush
  • Garlic Mustard
  • Goatgrass, Jointed
  • Hawkweed, Meadow.
  • Hawkweed, Mouse-ear
  • Hawkweed, Orange.
  • Hoary Alyssum
  • Hogweed, Giant
  • Iris, pale yellow
  • Knapweed, Bighead
  • Knapweed, Black
  • Knapweed, Brown
  • Knapweed, Diffuse
  • Knapweed, Hybrid
  • Knapweed, Meadow
  • Knapweed, Russian
  • Knapweed, Spotted
  • Knapweed, Squarrose
  • Knapweed, Tyrol
  • Knotweed, Giant
  • Knotweed, Hybrid Japanese
  • Knotweed, Japanese
  • Loosestrife, Purple
  • Medusahead
  • Nutsedge, Yellow
  • Puncturevine
  • Ragwort, Tansy
  • Rush Skeletonweed
  • Saltcedar
  • Saltlover
  • St John’s-wort, Common
  • Starthistle, Yellow.
  • Tamarisk, Chinese
  • Tamarisk, smallflower
  • Thistle, Marsh
  • Thistle, Nodding
  • Thistle, Plumeless

By identifying and controlling weeds early, it’s easier to limit their damaging effects. Leduc County Agricultural Services can provide assistance with weed identification and work with you to develop an effective control plan.

Fenceline spraying

Fencelines or crop headlands can be sprayed under the fenceline spraying program to manage and prevent the spread of weeds. There is no charge for spraying performed on land adjacent to a county roadway. 

Apply for fenceline spraying

Online application form Downloadable application form

If you download an application form, please submit it by email or drop it off to:

Leduc County
Community and Operations Centre
1105 5 St., Nisku, AB

Roadside spraying

Leduc County sprays selective herbicides in county roadside ditches where weed infestations are present. This controls the spread of weeds and also prevents brush from encroaching on roadways.

We choose the safest herbicides available to control weeds. Leduc County Agricultural Services follows all directives of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the guidelines established by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association. The herbicides used for roadside spraying have been accepted by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency.

Roadside mowing

Mowing helps control weeds and keeps sightlines clear at intersections. We mow approximately 4,000 acres of roadside ditch each year as part of our industrial vegetation management program. In addition to limiting the spread of weeds, roadside mowing reduces the potential of snow traps and drifts in the winter.

Roadside mowing occurs within the Nisku Business Park, subdivisions, municipal reserve lands, county transfer stations and lagoons and land adjacent to main paved county roads, such as Glen Park Road.

 Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

While weather dependent, spraying usually starts at the end of May or early June and again at the end of August or early September.

The choice of chemicals used depends on the specific plants targeted. The main herbicide used by Leduc County is called Clearview (pest control product registration number 29752). This particular herbicide will alleviate broadleaf plants like thistle and will not harm grass. 

All herbicides used by Leduc County are registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Protection of human health and the environment is Health Canada’s primary objective in the regulation of herbicides.

Each herbicide used in Canada undergoes significant testing to ensure it is used safely and has a label outlining how to use it. If herbicides are used according to the label instructions, then there is very little risk to pets or people. Leduc County uses all herbicides according to the label. 

Leduc County has the responsibility to control weeds on their land including the ditch. Leduc County will only spray herbicide when undesirable vegetation is present. Landowners can choose to maintain the ditch adjacent to their property which will limit the chance of the ditch being sprayed.

Rental equipment

Leduc County landowners may rent an assortment of herbicide spraying equipment for use on private land. View our fees and charges bylaw for pricing information. Email us to inquire about rentals.

Agricultural pesticide container recycling

There are two agricultural pesticide container recycling facilities in Leduc County. The facilities are owned and maintained by Leduc County and the recycling service is provided by Cleanfarms.

Cleanfarms holds annual collection events for unwanted pesticides and old livestock medications. Please refer to their website for scheduling information.

Recycling bags for pesticide containers

May 2025

Cleanfarms made changes to its recycling program and will only pick up bagged jugs for their recycling program. The reason behind this change is for efficiencies in trucking and handling – bagged jugs will now be compacted and transported to the recycling site for shredding. 

Loose jugs will not be handled for loading at the collection sites; therefore, Leduc County requests that all users of these facilities bag their empty, rinsed jugs before depositing them in the collection site facility.

Where to pick up bags

  • A supply of bags has been left at the Thorsby container site.
  • Bags are also available for pick up at the Leduc County Community and Operations Centre, located at 1105 5 Street in Nisku.
  • Please use the bags provided as they are made from a plastic grade compatible with this recycling program. Standard garbage bags or blue recycling bags are not compatible. 

CleanFARMS works with ag retailers to provide additional disposal site options. You can drop off bagged jugs at herbicide retailers; specifically where the herbicide was originally purchased. Click here for CleanFARMS collection site map.

  • Agricultural containers less than 23 litres.

  • Containers with 'domestic' on the label. These types of containers can be brought to the Eco Station or the Leduc and District Waste Management Facility
  • Pesticide containers larger than 23 litres must be returned to point of sale.
  • Cardboard boxes. Boxes must be disposed of at a transfer station or other waste facility.

Learn more about waste management and recycling in Leduc County.

  1. Rinse
    • All containers must be triple rinsed or pressure rinsed.
  2. Remove
    • The jug cap and booklet should be removed.
  3. Return
    • Farmers may return containers to the nearest recycling drop off location.
    • Containers must be bagged in the special recycling program bags that are available for pick up at the collection site facility or the Leduc County Community and Operations Centre (1105 5 St., Nisku).

Thorsby Shop

  • 49323 Range Road 14 (west of Thorsby)
  • Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note: a number of agricultural retailers are collecting the empty pesticide containers as well. Connect with your local retailer to confirm drop off.

Weed control contractors

We have a list of available contractors that landowners may contact for mowing and spraying services. Please email us for more information. 

Contractors may request to have their names (and services) added to the list of service providers. The list is not all-inclusive, and does not imply any recommendation by Leduc County. Consumers are responsible for verification of all credentials, certifications and claims made by the contractors.