Flame Weeding: A non-chemical strategy for controlling weeds
Flame weeding is used as an alternative to harmful pesticides. It works by killing the weeds with an intense wave of heat.
All plants are made up of tiny cells that are filled with water. By delivering a thin blast of heat directed at the stalk and young leaves, the heat will boil the water inside the cell, rupturing them. After this happens, nutrients and water for the plant cannot move from roots to leaves and results in the plant withering and eventually dying. By destroying the cell structure, the weed will not put energy towards growth.
Flame weeding is nearly 100% effective on broad leaf weeds that are caught early. Flame weeding will be controlled and done by trained City staff on City properties. If you have any questions and/or concerns about this project, please contact the City’s Integrated Pest Management Specialist Martin Guerena , (530) 757-5656 ext. 7322.
