Herbicide Use

Safe, Legal and Effective Chemical Application

Hire a contractor to manage large infestations, invasives growing in sensitive areas or projects that involve a large quantity or diversity of invasive plant species. He or she will know the most useful concentrations and combinations of chemicals. For a list of Vermont contractors, contact the Pesticide Certification & Training Coordinator at the Vermont Department of Agriculture. 

Certification is important. The only place an uncertified person can legally apply Class B or C herbicides is on his or her own property. A license is required to apply all Class A herbicides. Town employees and official members of town organizations may become certified to apply herbicides to town property only. Contact the Vermont Department of Agriculture at (802) 828-3482 or click here for more information.

Three classifications of pesticides are sold in Vermont. To find out what class a pesticide falls under, click here to go to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets website.

  • Class A pesticides: Restricted Use pesticides can be purchased by a certified applicator and can only be used by a certified applicator or by an individual working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Pesticides in this category include products with the active ingredient Tryclopyr, such as Garlon 4 or products with aquatic use sites on the label.

  • Class B pesticides: Controlled Sale pesticides are general use products that can be purchased and used by anyone on his or her own property. They are typically for outdoor use and contain greater than 3% active ingredient. They are sold in gardening centers and hardware stores.

  • Class C pesticides: Homeowner/Specialty pesticides can be purchased by anyone for use on his or her own property and are typically for use around the home. They have less than 3% active ingredient.

Read the label on the pesticide container in its entirety and follow the directions precisely. Improperly used herbicides can cause both short- and long-term human and environmental health problems. Click here to read labels from various pesticides.

Additional resources

  • Please call (802) 828-3482, or email matthew.wood@state.vt.us with questions about certification and continuing education credit opportunities. Information can be found at the Agency of Agriculture.

  • For questions regarding the appropriate chemical to use for a particular situation, or general information on pesticide safety, ingredients, etc. contact Agency of Agriculture Program Section Chief Cary Giguere at the Agency of Agriculture. cary.giguere@state.vt.us and  (802) 828-6531

  • Special permits are required to apply herbicides in a wetland. Contact VT DEC Wetlands Section at (802) 241-3761 for more information. 

  • Herbicides cannot be applied within 200 feet of a Public Water Source Protection Area unless the Water Supply Division is notified. Call 1-800-823-6500 for more information.

  • Forests that are certified organic or adjacent to organically certified agricultural lands may carry restrictions regarding chemical application. Check with the Northeast Organic Farming Agency of Vermont for more information.

  • The National Pesticide Information Center provides objective, science-based information about pesticides. For more information, click here or call 1-800-858-7378.

  • Visit the EXTension TOXicology NETwork (EXTOXNET) to learn more about toxicology issues.