Herbicides: Not a Silver Bullet

June 14, 2016

Too often, however, vegetation managers build unrealistic expectations about the durability of results based on constrained budgets.

Sig Guggenmoos

Over decades research has shown herbicides not only to be a cost-effective brush control tool but in many circumstances a superior environmental choice to brush cutting. Too often, however, vegetation managers build unrealistic expectations about the durability of results based on constrained budgets necessitating a magic bullet or enthusiasm generated when assessing a first time herbicide application.

This article seeks to build an understanding of why herbicides provide effective brush control; what should be expected to occur on the right of way in the future; data verifying the expectations; and, the origins of economic gains. Discussion is restricted to right of way brush control....(Read full article)

About the Author

Sig Guggenmoos | P. Ag. CPC President, Ecological Solutions Inc., Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture B.Sc.(Agr.)

Accreditations: Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.); Certified Professional Consultant (CPC)

Organizations: Alberta Institute of Agrologists, International Society of Arboriculture, Utility Arborist Association, Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta.

Mr. Guggenmoos was a chief architect of the TransAlta Utilities Distribution Line Clearance program, which reduced tree related outages 80%; saved 48 million dollars over two maintenance cycles; had a 98% customer satisfaction rating; and, showed a 21% increase in contractor crew productivity. He was responsible for the herbicide program, associated research and communication. In addition, he brought a financial focus to the program, developing processes for financial comparisons of alternatives to repetitive tree pruning and was intimately involved in the design and assessment of contracting methods.

As president of Ecological Solutions Inc. (Ecosync) Mr. Guggenmoos provides consulting services in vegetation management and biotic greenhouse gas mitigation strategies including biomass-derived energy.

Publications and Presentations:
Author of numerous abstracts and publications; numerous presentations to public, industry and professional associations including international conferences. List of publications available upon request.