Tackling strip leases with same-day turnaround: Over 20 sites sprayed before torrential rains 

At Acresa, strip lease spraying is one of our core services, with our team completing around 200 locations annually. This process requires meticulous timing to ensure the application aligns with the vegetative growth phase of plants, just before they transition to the reproductive (flowering and seed-setting) stage. Proper timing prevents weed seeds from spreading and maximizes efficiency by mitigating the need for additional applications later in the growing season. 

Because of the narrow application window and undrivable terrain, particularly on the bermed perimeter, strip leases often present urgent challenges, mainly when unforeseen circumstances arise. At Acresa, we embrace these challenges, delivering exceptional results even under the tightest deadlines. One recent project shows our unmatched commitment to speed, precision, and client satisfaction. 

The challenge 

One morning, our client contacted us with an urgent request for a newly acquired spray bid package. A large rainfall was looming, and over 20 older strip lease locations prepared for drilling rig activity faced the risk of overwhelming weed growth. Heavy weed pressure from the prior two years meant that missing the application window would allow a relentless weed species, kochia, to set seeds and multiply massively. The timeline was razor-thin – if left unsprayed, the sites would be inaccessible for weeks due to the anticipated rainfall. 

Our response 

By 10 am, the call for help was placed. By 4 pm, we had four crews (three staff for each) arrive on site for safe work permitting, armed with Intelli-Spray truck units and a well-honed plan. Despite the complexity and size of the boulder-infested sites, our team sprayed all 21 strip leases before nightfall. The following day, over two inches of rain fell, followed by continued storms, making the sites inaccessible for more than three weeks. Thanks to our timely intervention, weed seed production was completely prevented, eliminating potential of Group 2, Group 4, and Group 9 resistant seed spread by construction when client cleanup operations resumed nearly a month later. 

Our technique 

Our proven method involves: 

• Intelli-Spray truck units: Equipped to handle large-scale spraying with water output capacity and precision. 

• Coordinated teams: Each of the three workers per truck tackled two consecutive strip leases, switching off on the third, to prevent worker fatigue and downtime caused by hose entanglements or site debris like rocks or aggregate clumps.  

• Strategic planning: Pre-loading equipment and arriving fully prepared to maximize time on site; truck tanks were properly filled to the optimal volume, ensuring the team did not run out of product. 

The results 

Our rapid response and precise execution left the client stunned. Initially convinced the task was impossible, they were thoroughly impressed that all the sites were completed before the rain. Additionally, the rural municipality, previously frustrated with the region’s weed situation, praised the results. The locations remained in optimal condition, allowing for the client’s continued operational success and stakeholders’ satisfaction. 

Why choose Acresa? 

This project is a testament to why clients continue to trust Acresa for strip lease spraying. While we may not always be the lowest bidder, our combination of speed, reliability, and quality ensures that we consistently outperform our competitors. In this case, we inherited a region plagued by two years of poor spraying practices and turned the tide, restoring control over the weed pressure. Our clients know that with Acresa, even the most challenging scenarios become opportunities for success.