What is a noxious weed, and how can I get my neighbor to control their weeds?
A weed is designated noxious when it is considered by a governmental agency to be injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or property (Oregon Administrative Law 603-052-1200). Most noxious weeds are non-native plants that are serious pests causing economic loss and harm the environment. Noxious weeds choke out crops, destroy range and pasture lands, clog waterways, affect human and animal health, and threaten native plant communities.
Try talking to your neighbors first to explain the importance of controlling weeds. Depending on where you live, there may be local programs that mandate the control of noxious weeds on private property. Homeowner associations can direct weed control to their members. Some local government entities have codes or regulations that mandate weed control. Noxious Weed Control Districts or Weed Management Areas can help your neighbors control their weeds by education and outreach, land management strategies, and/or funding. Weed control is everybody’s business.
The Noxious Weed Control Program administers and provides technical expertise to the Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program. Landowners or managers fighting noxious weeds are encouraged to visit the grant program website.