Cultural control is a process were land is managed to insure good condition with sustained use. If the land (soil, plants, ecosystem) has been damaged and is "unhealthy" it is easier for invasive species to move in. Damage can occur by natural disaster (flood, fire), recreation (camping, off road vehicles), over-grazing, or farming. This control method is most often practiced on agriculture-based lands (cropland, pasture, and range), but can also be used in gardens, parks, and our native wildlands.

          Cultural control combines parts of the other control methods, but focuses on improving the "health" of the native plants. If the native plants are healthy, it is harder for a weed to become established. If a weed does become established, the native plants are better able to compete and suppress the weeds spread.

          The amount of use that an area of land receives must be monitored to prevent damage. For example, both recreation and grazing take place on much of our western grasslands and forests. Each of these land uses can cause serious damage if not controlled. The impacts and damage caused to the land depend on:
          • when it is used (is it during an important growth season?)
          • where it is used (distribution: is one area more heavily used than another?)
          • how long it is used (duration)
          • how often it is used (frequency)
          • how many are using the land (stocking rate)
Both land uses can make full use of the land if managed properly. A large group of people or animals could stay at the same site if they didn't stay long or come back often. Smaller groups could stay longer and return more. In order to ensure the health of an area, use may need to be restricted. In some cases, the area may need additional help to prevent the invasion of noxious weeds. Reseeding desired plants, mechanical or herbicide control, and a different management strategy may also be required.

          Croplands are also managed using a number of tools that suppress weed infestations. Smother crops are used to form dense vegetation stands to compete with weeds during the off-season. Competitive crops that are quick to germinate, have a fast growth rate, and are tall in stature can also be used to suppress weeds. Crop rotation is another effective means of fighting against annual and short lived perennials. The type of plant, the time of planting, and seed-bed preparation are all an essential part of cultural weed control.