What separates a noxious weed from a typical weed? A noxious weed is any plant designated by the local, state, or federal government as detrimental to public health, agriculture, wildlife, recreation, or property. Comparatively, a typical weed is a plant that causes economic loss or ecological damage, generates health problems for humans or animals, or is undesirable where growing. A standard weed is generally easier to eradicate while a noxious weed may warrant special tactics to safely remove.

The Risks of Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds are hazardous and create many problems in an ecosystem. They can cause a loss of diversity in other plants, increase fire danger, change soil composition, draw pollinators away from beneficial plants, and host elements that are toxic to surrounding plants. In addition, controlling noxious weeds can be costly. In Utah, millions of dollars are lost annually from crops being destroyed, poor soil development, loss of recreational activities, and building damage due to the presence of noxious weeds.

The best thing to do when dealing with these weeds is to take preventative measures. One of the most effective ways to do so is through classification. The Utah Noxious Weed Act of 2008 created a list of weeds to categorize into three classes based on urgency: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

• Class A weeds are the most detrimental and hazardous as they have been deemed non-native plants and are a more severe threat to the environment.
• Class B weeds are still non-native plants but are considered to be more controllable and slightly less damaging than Class A.
• Class C weeds are the least urgent and are labeled for containment rather than elimination. These weeds are considered native and mostly harm agriculture.

Noxious Weeds in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County has provided a list of 30 noxious weeds that are found within the county. These weeds are all considered to be a public nuisance if they are not eradicated in a timely manner, and can result in fines for you if the County steps in and removes them for you. The list includes:

Need Assistance with Pesky Weeds in the Salt Lake City Area?

At Aeroscape, we have experienced staff and management ready to assist you with any of your landscaping needs – including weed eradication. Give us a call at (801) 567-2383 or click on our Contact an Expert green arrow on any page of our website to get in touch with us today.