Spring brings longer days, warmer weather – and weeds along county roads. Herbicide applications that are part of Pierce County’s integrated roadside vegetation management program are expected to begin April 11, weather permitting.
Only federal- and state-approved herbicides are used, along with mowing, brush cutting and tree trimming to manage roadside vegetation. Herbicide spraying will continue through June.
The initial application of herbicides for road shoulders is scheduled to begin the second week of April and will continue through June. Selective noxious weeds and brush control applications are scheduled to start in mid-April and will continue through the end of November as needed.
Property owners who do not want roadsides adjacent to their properties sprayed can sign an agreement with the county to accept responsibility for maintaining the vegetation themselves. Under the “Owner Will Maintain” agreement, the maintenance of the right-of-way reverts to the county if the property owner fails to perform as required. The agreement must be renewed each year and a sign indicating participation in the program must be prominently displayed by the property owner prior to the application of herbicides.
Agreement applications and signs are available at the Central Maintenance Facility, 4812 196 Street E, Spanaway, 253-798-6000, and by appointment at West County Maintenance Facility, 13209 Goodnough Drive, Gig Harbor.
Controlling vegetation with herbicides improves pedestrian and motorist safety, reduces fire danger, optimizes storm water drainage, helps control noxious weeds and non-native plants, and promotes native plant growth.
More information can be found at www.piercecountywa.org/ownermaintain or by calling (253) 798-6000.