Return to Archived Stories

Property owners with land abutting county roads can request alternative methods. If you would like to maintain the county road right-of-way in some other method, such as mowing, call the county at 320-255-6180 by Tuesday, May 24; post "Do Not Spray" signs in areas that you do not want treated; and remove the brush and noxious weeds by Wed-nesday, June 15, or the county will cut the brush and spray the weeds.

The county's goal is to eliminate brush and noxious weeds and promote grass cover along the roadside. Brush along roads reduces driving visibility, obstructs road signs, and reduces driver reaction time to crossing wildlife. It also presents maintenance problems by retaining water in the roadbed, obstructing ditches, and damaging equipment, according to the highway department.

The county uses selective herbicides that control brush and weeds while allowing grass to grow. During spray operations, the county will take care to avoid sensitive areas adjacent to tree plantations, ornamental plantings, crops, gardens, front yards, lakes, and streams, according to the highway department.