Crews to begin spraying for weeds soon
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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews will soon begin treating noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the area to improve driver safety and support efficient maintenance operations by limiting their presence. Property owners who are actively treating noxious weeds on private property may request highway crews to treat select nuisance weeds found on adjacent state-owned right of way.
The Cabinet targets twelve noxious weeds in accordance with KRS 176.051 and 603 KAR 3:100: Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii); Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense); Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum); Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus); Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum); Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense); Kudzu (Pueraria montana); Marestail (Conyza canadensis); Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora); Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans); Poison Hemlock
(Conium maculatum) and Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe).
KY Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said, “If left untreated, some weeds can grow several feet tall and impact driver visibility. Actively treating the weeds on state maintained property enhances safety, prevents damage to ditches and drains and minimizes the presence of plants that attract deer near highways.”
Noxious weeds often invade and destroy the roadside turf grass, leaving these areas vulnerable to erosion. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long term persistence.
Anyone who wants to request weed treatment must submit a written application to our local KYTC Highway District Office in Somerset. To request an application, contact the appropriate district highway office. Information may be found on district webpages. Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when crews spraying for weeds are out on the roadways.
