Expect weeds after a fire. Many weeds are adapted to fire and easily survive a burn. Additionally, weeds are easily introduced to burned areas by wind, equipment, humans, and animals and from using non-certified weed-free seed mixes and mulching materials. Lacking competition from other plants, they can quickly become established.
Some weeds are transient and have no long-lasting impact, while others are what we call "system transformers" and can completely convert and occupy the site, excluding most other species of plants.
System transformers tend also to be those weed species listed on states' noxious weed lists. The local office of the following agencies can provide you with a list of noxious weeds in your state and approved control recommendations: Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or your county's weed control agency.
