Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds have spread rapidly across the West, including Deschutes County and our city. These non-native, aggressive plants were brought to the U.S. either accidentally or on purpose.

Four common noxious weed varieties that grow in Central Oregon

Noxious weeds cause soil erosion, reduce wildlife habitats, steal water, nutrients, and light from native plants, and can be toxic to humans and animals.

Controlling these weeds is very challenging. There are no natural predators here to stop their spread, and their seeds can stay viable for many years. These weeds have extensive root systems that can regrow even after the tops are removed. That’s why it’s crucial for all property owners to prioritize controlling noxious weeds.

Dalmatian Toadflax	Yellow Flag Iris	Orange Hawkweed
Spotted Knapweed	Russian Thistle	Puncturevine

For small infestations, we find that using herbicides and pulling noxious weeds are the most effective methods of control. Herbicides help manage new growth and prevent the spread of these weeds. Since each herbicide is specific to the plant it targets, you’ll need a certified commercial pesticide operator to treat invasive species. The best time to spray is in the spring when new plants start to grow. When pulling weeds, remember to wear gloves, place the weeds in a plastic bag, and dispose of them at the Deschutes County Landfill. Don’t put them in your compost! Be aware that using herbicides and pulling weeds requires yearly follow-up. It often takes three or more years to completely eradicate noxious weeds using these techniques.

There are other ways to control noxious weeds, such as biological controls. This involves using insects that attack the root systems of invasive weeds. While this method can take several years to eradicate a medium to large infestation, it can be an alternative to herbicides.

Goat and sheep grazing is another effective tool for controlling larger-scale noxious weed infestations.

Always remember to keep your pets and other animals away from weeds and brush and remove any seeds that get stuck in their fur.

Integrated Weed Management uses several different practices to tackle noxious weeds. This approach combines chemical, mechanical, and biological methods to suppress weeds. This process can take several years, so persistence and patience are key! Herbicides are a powerful tool in your arsenal. They come in two types: selective, which target specific plants, and non-selective, which kill all plants they touch. The best times to spray are early and late spring, fall, and summer.

Mechanical control is also effective. For larger properties, you might need to use both mechanical and chemical methods. For smaller infestations, hand tools can do the job. Remember, there’s no single best practice for eradicating noxious weeds. Integrated Weed Management plans incorporate various methods as needed.

Our Code Enforcement team understands that eradicating noxious weeds takes time. If you’ve received a notice of violation, you’ll need to submit an Integrated Weed Management plan outlining the steps you’ll take to remove the weeds. We’ll monitor your progress each year until the weeds are gone.

Our Invasive Noxious Weed Code

We don’t allow noxious vegetation to grow on any property within Bend city limits.

Property owners must remove noxious vegetation from public rights-of-way next to their property, except for medians and roundabouts.

Violating this code is a Class A civil infraction.

The maximum penalty is $750 per day, per lot

For more details, check out our Nuisance Ordinance, which covers nuisances like flammable vegetation, noxious weeds, and trash.

1Step: Prepare Your Details and Supporting Items

Before submitting your complaint, please gather the following information:

Details of the Complaint: Describe the nature of the complaint and the alleged violation.
Description of the Area: Provide a description of the area to help the inspector easily find the violations (e.g., front sidewalk).
Location: Include the address of the violation.
Supporting Items: Attach any supporting items with descriptions, such as photos or videos.