Weeds in alleys: Are you responsible?

The answer is yes. Most people aren’t aware that it is the responsibility of the homeowner (or the renter if it is in the rental agreement) to maintain to the center of the alley for the parcel in which it is associated.

Noxious weeds found in the alleys need to be maintained. Residents of all cities in Grant County are responsible for their portion of the alley. We all need to do our part in controlling the spread of weeds.

With the alleys being used for a variety of reasons, such as garbage pick-up, garage access or as a means of travel, weeds can easily become attached to tires or the undercarriage of our vehicles and be transported to other areas where these weeds may not have been growing in the past.

Puncturevine is becoming an increasing problem in the alleys. Puncturevine can cause flat tires on bicycles and vehicles and injure your pets, and it spreads easily by becoming attached to tires and being deposited elsewhere. Puncturevine spreads by seeds that develop inside sharp burs which may lay dormant in the soil for many years before germinating.

Kochia is another big issue in the alleys. Oftentimes, it is found growing along fence lines. Kochia spreads very rapidly by seed and a single plant can produce well over 14,000 seeds.

This is why it is important that we stop the spread of these noxious weeds. Throughout the year you may see one of the Grant County Noxious Weed Board consultants driving through the alleys in your area doing inspections for the presence of noxious weeds. If you have noxious weeds present on your portion of the alley, then you will more than likely be contacted by the consultant for the area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 509-754-2011, ext. 4710, or visit our website at www.grantcountyweedboard.org.