Roadside weeds to be sprayed

Pierce County roadsides will get their annual anti-weeds makeover this spring and summer, either by the county or landowners who prefer to do it themselves. Road crews will begin applying state and federal-approved herbicides to combat weeds along road shoulders on March 30 and continue through June. Some spraying of noxious weeds and brush will occur through November when needed. Only federal- and state-approved herbicides are used. Workers will also mow grass, cut brush and trim trees along roads during the spring and summer. All of the work will be on roads in unincorporated areas of the county. "Properly maintained roadsides are important for the safety of motorists and pedestrians,GÇ¥ said Bruce Wagner, Pierce County Public Works road operations manager. The annual maintenance also reduces fire danger, optimizes storm water drainage, helps control noxious weeds and non-native plants, and promotes native plant growth. Property owners who don't want roadsides adjacent to their land to be sprayed can sign an "Owner Will MaintainGÇ¥ agreement with the county. The agreement must be renewed each March, and landowners must display a sign indicating their participation in the program before the county begins spraying. The maintenance of the right-of-way will revert to the county if property owners don't meet their obligations, officials said. Applications and signs are available at the county's Central Maintenance Facility in Spanaway at 4812 196th St. E. More information is at www.piercecountywa.org/ownermaintain and 253-798-6000.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Sign in to comment